The Reign of Terror primarily ended with the arrest and execution of Maximilien Robespierre and many of his key supporters in July 1794. This pivotal event marked the end of an intense period of political repression and mass executions in revolutionary France.
The Downfall of Robespierre and the End of Terror
The conclusion of the Reign of Terror was a direct result of several factors, most notably the waning public and political support for the radical policies implemented by the Committee of Public Safety, which was largely dominated by Maximilien Robespierre.
Decline in Public Support
As the Reign of Terror escalated, its excessive actions and widespread executions led to a significant decrease in public support for the Committee of Public Safety. Initially, the terror was seen by some as a necessary measure to protect the Revolution from internal and external enemies. However, as the guillotine claimed thousands of lives, often on flimsy evidence or for minor dissent, fear and disillusionment grew among the populace and even within the National Convention itself.
Key reasons for the decline in support included:
- Overreach of Power: The Committee of Public Safety wielded immense power, suspending civil liberties and conducting trials with little due process.
- Internal Divisions: Factions within the revolutionary government grew increasingly wary of Robespierre's authority and his uncompromising vision of virtue, which often led to the elimination of his political rivals.
- Fear Among Convention Members: Members of the National Convention feared they might be the next victims of the purges, leading to a desperate coalition against Robespierre.
The Execution of Maximilien Robespierre
On July 27, 1794 (9 Thermidor, Year II, according to the French Republican Calendar), Maximilien Robespierre, then president of the National Convention, along with his brother Augustin Robespierre, Louis Antoine de Saint-Just, Georges Couthon, and other close associates, were arrested.
The following day, July 28, 1794, Robespierre and his key supporters were executed by guillotine without trial, effectively turning the terror against its architects. This event is commonly referred to as the Thermidorian Reaction, signaling a shift away from the radical policies of the Jacobin club. Their demise immediately brought the most extreme phase of the French Revolution to a close.
Legacy of the Reign of Terror
The end of the Reign of Terror paved the way for a more moderate phase of the French Revolution, leading to the establishment of the Directory in 1795. While the period remains a dark chapter in French history, it highlights the dangers of unchecked power and political extremism. The events surrounding Robespierre's fall serve as a stark reminder of how a revolutionary government, initially aiming for liberty and equality, can descend into tyranny.
For more information on this period, you can explore resources on the French Revolution.
