The Reign of Terror

The Reign of Terror was a devastating time in France. It was mainly caused by the struggle between the Jacobins and the Girondins. Inspired by the French Revolution, this struggle had been the cause of fear in France for everyone. The Reign of Terror had begun in 1793, when the Jacobins began to take power. Their leader, Maximilien Robespierre seized control of the government and tried to wipe out all traces of the old form of government. He had ruled France like a dictator. Thousands of people were executed during this time. No one was safe in France. Eventually, the people of France grew tired of living in fear, so a conspiracy was planned to overthrow Robespierre. On July 27, 1794, Robespierre was overthrown and executed.