DBQ: Reign of Terror Essay Example
DBQ: Reign of Terror Essay Example

DBQ: Reign of Terror Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (477 words)
  • Published: October 26, 2017
  • Type: Research Paper
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The execution of Louis XVI marked the beginning of 'The Reign of Terror', a violent and unnecessary 18-month period during the French Revolution. Led by Robespierre, this period aimed to establish a new government through large-scale executions. It not only played a significant role in the revolution but also exhibited extreme cruelty towards the deceased. The heads and bodies were disrespectfully displayed to passers-by, targeting religious holidays and beheading individuals without fair trial. The guillotine became a powerful symbol of the revolution as it quickly became the prevalent method of execution during this dreadful time for the people of France. Countless households felt unsafe amid these heinous killings that occurred without reason or trial. The tribunal's initial adherence to formal legal processes gradually deteriorated until they eventually gave up on their promises, halting all trials

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(63).During the Reign of Terror, the court executed numerous innocent individuals, including men and women (63). These deaths quickly became a public spectacle that left a lasting impression on everyone. Rather than being seen as tragic events to be mourned, they were instead celebrated (65). The guillotine executions turned into memorable occasions where people laughed and chatted casually, treating them like festive gatherings. The beheading of the King brought joy to the people who believed he deserved to die for his unjust killings without fair trials. This lack of justification extended beyond the Reign of Terror, resulting in an excessive number of deaths that went beyond what was necessary. People were put to death without trial or reasonable cause at times. Historians estimate that between 20,000 and 40,000 individuals fell victim to the guillotine during this period (65).

To maintain control,

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the Committee employed spies which created an atmosphere where people couldn't trust their surroundings. Constant vigilance was required as speaking negatively about authorities could lead to imprisonment or worse (63). This sense of insecurity meant that no one was safe from punishment, not even death. It was a severe infringement on our right to free speech which we enjoy today. Consequently, individuals were killed for minor incidents simply because they happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.This passage highlights the extreme and unfair nature of the Reign of Terror during that era. Many people were executed without a proper trial, typically through beheading. The Reign of Terror abruptly ended in mid-1794 with Robespierre's execution and the establishment of a more conservative government (49). This period had devastating consequences, as families and homes across France were torn apart. Innocent men were killed without receiving a fair opportunity to present their case before an impartial jury. These 18 months became the bloodiest phase of the French Revolution, leaving a lasting impact on our history and showcasing the excessive nature of the Reign of Terror. It was an unjust act that went beyond any reasonable limits and served no purpose but to inflict harm.

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