Reign of Terror
Definition
The Reign of Terror was a period during the French Revolution when radical political factions executed thousands perceived as enemies of the revolution through guillotine.
Analogy
Imagine you're playing a game where anyone who doesn't follow your team's strategy is immediately kicked out. That's similar to how it was during the Reign of Terror - if you were suspected not supporting revolutionary ideals, you could face severe punishment or even death.
Related terms
French Revolution: A period from 1789-1799 when social and political structures in France underwent radical changes including overthrowing monarchy and establishing a republic.
Jacobins: Radical political group behind much of the Reign of Terror who sought to remove all traces of old regime.
Robespierre Maximilien: Leader during French Revolution known for his intense dedication to Republic; one of main forces behind Reign of Terror.
"Reign of Terror" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (11)
Which group was targeted during the Reign of Terror through the Law of Suspects?
What was the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution?
Which of the following best characterizes the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution?
What parallels exist between England's Glorious Revolution and France's Reign of Terror?
Who was known for leading the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution?
What mode of execution became a symbol of the Reign of Terror?
Who was the queen of France beheaded during the Reign of Terror?
How might the audience for Robespierre's public speeches have influenced his portrayal of the Reign of Terror?
How did the response by French society to the Napoleonic regime differ from that during the Reign of Terror?
Which conflict is associated with the Reign of Terror in France?
Why was reign of terror significant?
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