The Reign of Terror was a period of violence and fear during the French Revolution, led by Maximilien Robespierre and his radical Jacobin faction. It lasted from September 1793 to July 1794 and was characterized by mass executions of those deemed enemies of the revolution.

Robespierre and his followers believed that the Revolution was in danger from within and without, and that the only way to protect it was through extreme measures. The Reign of Terror was their response to this perceived threat.

Reasons for the Reign

There were several reasons why the Reign of Terror occurred:

1. Fear of Counter-Revolution: The leaders of the Revolution were afraid that the people who opposed them would overthrow them and reverse all the gains made by the Revolution.

2. Economic Crisis: There was an economic crisis in France at the time, which led to high inflation and food shortages. This made people angry and frustrated, and they turned against the government.

3. Ideological Differences: There were ideological differences among the leaders of the Revolution. Some believed in moderate reforms, while others wanted radical changes. This led to a power struggle within the government.

Methods of the Reign

During the Reign of Terror, the government used several methods to maintain control and suppress dissent:

1. Guillotine: The guillotine was used to execute thousands of people, including former King Louis XVI, as well as ordinary citizens who were deemed enemies of the Revolution.

2. Surveillance: The government used spies to monitor the activities of citizens and identify potential threats to the Revolution.

3. Revolutionary Tribunals: Special courts were set up to try those accused of crimes against the Revolution. These tribunals often handed down harsh sentences, including death.

Impact of the Reign

The Reign of Terror had several impacts on French society:

1. Fear: The Reign of Terror created a climate of fear in France. People were afraid to speak out against the government for fear of being accused of treason.

2. Loss of Life: Thousands of people were executed during the Reign of Terror, including many innocent people who were falsely accused.

3. Political Instability: The Reign of Terror led to political instability in France, as the government struggled to maintain control.

In conclusion, the Reign of Terror was a period of violence and fear during the French Revolution, led by Maximilien Robespierre and his radical Jacobin faction. It was characterized by mass executions of those deemed enemies of the revolution. The reasons for the Reign include fear of counter-revolution, economic crisis, and ideological differences among the leaders of the Revolution. The methods used during the Reign included the guillotine, surveillance, and revolutionary tribunals. The Reign had a significant impact on French society, including fear, loss of life, and political instability.

As he used the policy of severe control and punishment. He use to hate those people who opposed him. He also used guillotine to give the people punishment if they were tried guilty by court.