Biography of Maximilien de Robespierre Essay - 660 Words

Maximilien de Robespierre Maximilien de Robespierre was born March 6, 1758 in Arras, France. de Robespierre became one of the most influential French figures of his time. He was a lawyer of the bourgeois class but represented the urban workers of his time and even became a spokesperson for them. After becoming a lawyer in 1781 he was elected to the Estates General in 1789 by Artois and represented the poorest estate, the third estate. Maximilien studied philosophy and was an admirer of the Roman Republic and classical thinkers such as, Cicero and Cato. As a young man he studied the writings of the philosophers, John Jacques Rousseau. He was interested in the concept of the â€Å"Virtuous self† which describes a man guided only by his own†¦show more content†¦With the backing of the people, Robespierre led the Jacobins in declaring the creation of a revolutionary tribunal which seized control of the government and the military, causing the opposition to flee. Robespierre led a convention, which deposed King Louis the XVI and created a government which sought to impose the will of the commoner over the rule of the nobility as a leader in the New French Republic, Robespierre denounced the deposed King, subjected the King to a public trial and in the end argued for the execution of Louis and his family. Under his leadership the new French Republican assembly narrowly voted to convict Louis and sentenced him to death. The King was executed within two days. After the death of the King the revolutionary factions began to fight amongst themselves for power. Robespierre was made a leader of the committee of public safety. During this time the revolutionists gained control of France’s internal police authorities and used this power to institute what later became known as â€Å"The Reign of Terror†. The reign was so named because those who opposed, where thought to be enemies of, or threats to the revolution were denounced, tired and executed. The reign of terror was responsible for hundreds and thousands of deaths, it reached its peak in 1794 when Robespierre publically attacked and attempted to have his rivalsShow MoreRelatedNapoleon Bonaparte As A Multi Faceted Genius1094 Words   |  5 Pageshave always been able to conquer different lands. But of these men â€Å"The Little Corporal also known as Napoleon Bonaparte was able to cast a long shadow, from Holland to Egypt, from Moscow to Cadiz. The code Napoleon still remains with us, as the Arc de Triomphe and the memory of a multi-faceted genius. Throughout the history Europe, kings and dictators have been infamous for their voracious desire for control and complete supremacy; the lure of absolute supremacy and total allegiance was too temptingRead MoreThe Worst Royals Were Born1337 Words   |  6 Pages On August 23, 1754, King Louis Auguste de France was born in the Palace of Versailles. He was the third son of Louis, Grand Dauphin, and Duchess Maria Anna Victoria of Bavaria. At a young age, Louis was forced to take on responsibility. As a shy child, this was not the best decision for his guardians to make. Louis parents paid very little attention to him, and instead to his older brother, soon to be king, Louis Duc de Bourgogne. ( Louis XVI Biography) In the 60’s of the 18th century, Louis’Read MoreSimilarities and Differences Between English Bill of Rights and the Declaration Rights of Man and Citizen1900 Words   |  8 Pagesto Paris; King Louis was forced to sign law after law. (Day) They had to find a way to get out and they disguised themselves as peasants and fled where later they were caught by revolution guards, while the king was just miles away from Austria. Robespierre was later crowned king, the country scared that the Austrians will send an army to coun ter the revolution. The Austrians came and joined with Prussia threatened to destroy French if anything happen to the royal family. (French Revolution Wars) The