Maximilien de Robespierre

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Maximilien de Robespierre was a leading radical politician during the most difficult and violent phase of the French revolution. Sympathetic to the interests of the working class, and keen to protect the Revolution from absolutist subversion, he played a central part in the administration of “The Terror” (July 1793-July 1794) before himself being sent to the guillotine.

The child of provincial lawyer in Arras, Robespierre was marked by the early death of his mother and abandonment by a father who left him with his brother to be raised by grandparents. Intelligent and disciplined, Robespierre received a grant to study at the prestigious Collège Louis-le-grand in Paris and went on to receive a degree in law. He returned to Arras where he distinguished himself as a lawyer and was soon

836 words

Citation: Clark, Robert. "Maximilien de Robespierre". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 25 January 2006 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=11682, accessed 19 March 2024.]

11682 Maximilien de Robespierre 1 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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