1. Committee of Public Safety: Robespierre served as a prominent member of the Committee of Public Safety, a powerful organ established to protect the revolution from internal and external threats. He was known for his unwavering belief in the republic's safety and the need for decisive measures against perceived enemies of the revolution.
2. Political Purge: Robespierre advocated for the elimination of individuals and groups considered counter-revolutionary or threats to the revolution. He helped orchestrate the arrest, trial, and execution of numerous political opponents, including former Girondins, moderate revolutionaries, suspected royalists, and others who were deemed enemies of the revolution.
3. Law of Suspects: Robespierre supported the Law of Suspects, passed in September 1793, which greatly expanded the definition of treason and made it easier for citizens to be arrested and detained on suspicion alone. This law contributed to the mass arrests and incarcerations during the Reign of Terror.
4. Revolutionary Tribunal: Robespierre played a role in establishing the Revolutionary Tribunal, a special court that handled cases related to counter-revolutionary activities. The tribunal became known for its swift and often harsh judgments, resulting in numerous convictions and executions.
5. Cult of the Supreme Being: Robespierre was instrumental in promoting the cult of the Supreme Being, a new religious movement that emphasized the existence of a universal "Supreme Being" as a source of morality and virtue. He aimed to replace traditional religious practices and promote a secular republican religion during the Reign of Terror.
6. Great Terror: Robespierre's role reached its peak during the "Great Terror," an intense phase of the Reign of Terror that occurred from July 1793 to July 1794. This period witnessed a wave of heightened repression, mass executions, and persecution of individuals perceived as foes of the revolution.
7. Downfall: Despite his initial popularity, Robespierre faced growing criticism and opposition within the revolutionary government. Accused of excessive radicalism and authoritarianism, he was arrested and executed on July 28, 1794, along with several of his associates. His death is considered the end of the Reign of Terror and the beginning of a more moderate phase of the French Revolution.
In summary, Robespierre played a central role in the French Revolution's Reign of Terror. He advocated for strict measures to protect the revolution and eliminate its enemies, leading to mass arrests, executions, and a general atmosphere of fear and repression. His actions and policies during this time had a profound impact on the course and outcome of the French Revolution.