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Maximilien Robespierre

Maximilien Robespierre was a French lawyer, politician, and leading figure of the French Revolution.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Maximilien Robespierre was a French lawyer, politician, and leading figure of the French Revolution. He became closely associated with the Jacobins, the Committee of Public Safety, and the Reign of Terror, before being overthrown and executed in 1794.

Robespierre was born in Arras on 6 May 1758 and studied law before becoming a lawyer. He entered public life during the early stages of the French Revolution.

Role in the French Revolution

He became a prominent radical voice in revolutionary politics and gained influence through the Jacobin Club and the National Convention. He supported revolutionary principles and became one of the movement's best-known leaders.

Committee of Public Safety and the Reign of Terror

Robespierre came to dominate the Committee of Public Safety in 1793. During the Reign of Terror, the committee exercised near-dictatorial control and oversaw mass executions of perceived enemies of the Revolution.

Fall and execution

In July 1794, Robespierre lost political support, was arrested, and was executed in Paris on 28 July 1794. His death marked a turning point in the Thermidorian Reaction and the end of his dominance.

Key facts

  • Born in Arras in 1758 and trained as a lawyer.
  • Became one of the most influential figures of the French Revolution.
  • Associated with the Jacobin Club and later the Committee of Public Safety.
  • Dominated the Revolutionary government during the Reign of Terror.
  • Arrested in July 1794 and executed by guillotine the next day.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Maximilien Robespierre?
He was a French lawyer and revolutionary politician who became one of the central figures of the French Revolution.
What was Robespierre’s role in the Reign of Terror?
He became a dominant figure in the Committee of Public Safety, which oversaw the Reign of Terror and the execution of perceived enemies of the Revolution.
When was Robespierre born and when did he die?
He was born on 6 May 1758 and died on 28 July 1794.
How did Robespierre die?
He was arrested in July 1794 and executed by guillotine in Paris the next day.
Why is Robespierre controversial?
He is associated both with revolutionary ideals such as equality and with the mass repression and executions of the Reign of Terror.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Maximilien-Robespierre
    Supports: Birth and death dates, occupation, role in the French Revolution, Jacobin and Committee of Public Safety leadership, Reign of Terror, overthrow and execution.
  2. BBC History — https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/robespierre_maximilien.shtml
    Supports: Biographical details, birth in Arras, political influence, arrest, injury, and execution.
  3. World History Encyclopedia — https://www.worldhistory.org/Maximilien_Robespierre/
    Supports: Overview of Robespierre as a French lawyer and primary leader of the French Revolution, dominance of the Committee of Public Safety, and execution.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Maximilien-Robespierre
    Supports: Concise summary of Robespierre’s political role, advocacy of individual rights, leadership of the Jacobins and Committee of Public Safety, and historical controversy.