THE ARREST OF MAXIMILIEN ROBESPIERRE AND EXECUTION
ON THIS DAY IN 1794 - FRENCH REVOLUTION: THE ARREST OF MAXIMILIEN ROBESPIERRE AND EXECUTION The architect of the Reign of Terror, one of the most notorious periods of the French Revolution where over 16,594 individuals were executed at the hands of the state and a further 10,000 died in prison, Maximillien Robespierre remains a controversial figure. Initially beginning as an opponent to capital punishment, his then use and abuse of this during the Terror has made him a figure which still fascinates to this day. A period of constant accusations and revolutionary fever lasting just under a year, this horrifying time came to an end in July of 1794 following Robespierre’s arrest. On the 26th of July, Robespierre addressed the National Convention in a speech in which he spoke of internal spies, traitors and conspirators. Jean-Lambert Tallien, one of the targets of Robespierre’s denunciation, was able to turn the Convention on the 27th. In particular the members were concerned of ...