# Maximilien Robespierre

> French revolutionary lawyer and politician (1758–1794)

**Wikidata**: [Q44197](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q44197)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximilien_Robespierre)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/maximilien-robespierre

## Summary
Maximilien Robespierre was a French revolutionary lawyer and politician (1758–1794) who became one of the most influential and controversial figures of the French Revolution. As a key leader of the Jacobin Club and a member of the Committee of Public Safety, he played a central role in the Reign of Terror, advocating for radical democratic reforms, the abolition of slavery, and the establishment of the Cult of the Supreme Being as a state religion. His political ideology and actions left a lasting impact on revolutionary movements and modern democratic thought.

## Biography
- **Born:** May 6, 1758, Arras, France
- **Nationality:** French
- **Education:** Lycée Louis-le-Grand, University of Paris (law degree)
- **Known for:** Leading the Jacobin Club, serving on the Committee of Public Safety, advocating for radical democratic reforms, and establishing the Cult of the Supreme Being
- **Employer(s):** Committee of Public Safety, National Convention
- **Field(s):** Law, Politics, Revolutionary Leadership

## Contributions
Robespierre was a central figure in the French Revolution, contributing significantly to its radical phase. His key contributions include:

- **Committee of Public Safety (1793–1794):** As a leading member, he oversaw the defense of the Revolution against internal and external threats, implementing policies that included the Reign of Terror.
- **Abolition of Slavery (1794):** He advocated for and achieved the abolition of slavery in French colonies, a landmark decision in the fight for human rights.
- **Cult of the Supreme Being (1794):** Established as a state religion to replace Christianity, promoting deism and civic virtue as foundational principles of the Revolution.
- **Democratic Reforms:** Championed universal male suffrage, price controls on essential goods, and the redistribution of wealth to address social inequality.
- **Jacobin Club Leadership:** As a prominent Jacobin, he shaped the club’s radical agenda, pushing for the execution of Louis XVI and the establishment of a republican government.

## FAQs

**What role did Robespierre play in the French Revolution?**
Robespierre was a leading figure in the radical phase of the French Revolution, serving on the Committee of Public Safety and advocating for policies such as the Reign of Terror, the abolition of slavery, and the establishment of the Cult of the Supreme Being.

**What was the Cult of the Supreme Being?**
The Cult of the Supreme Being was a state religion established by Robespierre in 1794 to promote deism and civic virtue, replacing traditional Christianity as part of the Revolution’s secularization efforts.

**How did Robespierre influence democratic thought?**
Robespierre’s advocacy for universal male suffrage, social equality, and radical democratic reforms influenced modern democratic movements and political philosophy, particularly through his emphasis on civic virtue and the general will.

**What was Robespierre’s relationship with the Jacobin Club?**
Robespierre was a key leader of the Jacobin Club, shaping its radical agenda and pushing for policies such as the execution of Louis XVI and the establishment of a republican government.

**What was Robespierre’s stance on slavery?**
Robespierre was a strong advocate for the abolition of slavery, and under his influence, the National Convention abolished slavery in French colonies in 1794.

**What led to Robespierre’s downfall?**
Robespierre’s increasingly radical policies and the growing fear of his authoritarian rule led to his arrest and execution on July 28, 1794, during the Thermidorian Reaction.

## Why They Matter
Robespierre’s influence on the French Revolution and modern democratic thought is profound. His advocacy for radical democratic reforms, social equality, and the abolition of slavery set precedents for future revolutionary movements. The Cult of the Supreme Being, though short-lived, reflected his vision of a civic religion based on reason and virtue. His policies during the Reign of Terror, while controversial, demonstrated the extremes to which revolutionary governments might go to defend their ideals. Robespierre’s ideas on civic virtue, the general will, and social justice continue to resonate in political philosophy and democratic theory.

## Notable For
- Leading the Jacobin Club and the Committee of Public Safety during the French Revolution
- Establishing the Cult of the Supreme Being as a state religion in 1794
- Advocating for the abolition of slavery in French colonies
- Championing universal male suffrage and radical democratic reforms
- Influencing modern democratic thought and revolutionary movements
- Being a key figure in the Reign of Terror and the execution of Louis XVI

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Maximilien Robespierre was born on May 6, 1758, in Arras, France. He attended the prestigious Lycée Louis-le-Grand in Paris, where he excelled academically. He later studied law at the University of Paris, earning a degree that set the foundation for his future political career.

### Political Career and Revolutionary Leadership
Robespierre became a prominent figure in the French Revolution, joining the Jacobin Club and advocating for radical democratic reforms. He was elected to the National Convention and served on the Committee of Public Safety, where he played a central role in defending the Revolution against internal and external threats. His leadership during the Reign of Terror (1793–1794) was marked by the execution of political enemies, including King Louis XVI, and the implementation of policies aimed at social equality.

### Key Policies and Reforms
Robespierre’s tenure on the Committee of Public Safety was characterized by several landmark policies:
- **Abolition of Slavery:** In 1794, he successfully advocated for the abolition of slavery in French colonies, a significant step toward human rights.
- **Cult of the Supreme Being:** Established in May 1794, this state religion promoted deism and civic virtue, replacing traditional Christianity as part of the Revolution’s secularization efforts.
- **Democratic Reforms:** He championed universal male suffrage, price controls on essential goods, and the redistribution of wealth to address social inequality.

### Influence on Modern Democratic Thought
Robespierre’s ideas on civic virtue, the general will, and social justice have had a lasting impact on political philosophy. His emphasis on the role of the state in promoting equality and his advocacy for radical democratic reforms influenced subsequent revolutionary movements and democratic theory.

### Downfall and Legacy
Robespierre’s increasingly radical policies and authoritarian rule led to his arrest and execution on July 28, 1794, during the Thermidorian Reaction. Despite his controversial legacy, his contributions to the French Revolution and his influence on modern democratic thought remain significant. His ideas continue to be studied and debated in political philosophy and history.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Union List of Artist Names. 2012
4. Source
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. CiNii Research
8. MusicBrainz
9. [Source](https://www.siv.archives-nationales.culture.gouv.fr/siv/POG/FRAN_POG_05/p-49n2i4n4n-g40etlz4g7wy)
10. [Source](https://sites.google.com/site/catacombesdeparisdrouet/home/les-celebrites-des-catacombes)
11. Maximilien, François, Marie, Isidore, Joseph De Robespierre. Sycomore
12. SNAC
13. Find a Grave
14. Babelio
15. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
16. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
17. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
18. GeneaStar
19. Roglo
20. Base biographique
21. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
22. Sycomore
23. CONOR.SI
24. BBC Things
25. CERL Thesaurus
26. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
27. Enciclopedia Treccani
28. LIBRIS. 2012
29. Dizionario di Storia
30. Golden
31. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
32. Catalogo of the National Library of India