Short Note on ‘Reign of Terror’
Reign of Terror refers to the period 1793-94 when France became a republic under Maximilian Robespierre and followed a policy of severe control and punishment. Resistance could be declared as treason and punished by guillotine. In this 14-month period about 17000 people including innocents were executed.
Terror was not an instrument of class war. It was directed not only against the privileged classes or the rich middle class but even more against the innocent. The enemies of the nation were viewed as enemies of the republic.
Atmosphere of restlessness, insecurity and anxiety prevailed. Robespierre was a virtual dictator of France. He followed his policies so adamantly that his supporters in the end left him. He was finally convicted and guillotined.