- Fear of counterrevolution: The revolutionaries were acutely aware of the threat posed by their enemies, both domestic and foreign. They believed that the only way to protect the Revolution was to eliminate all potential counterrevolutionaries, even those who had done nothing wrong.
- Desire for social change: The Revolutionaries were committed to creating a new, egalitarian society. They believed that the Reign of Terror was necessary to break down the old social order and establish the new one.
- Violence as a means to achieve political ends: The revolutionaries believed that violence was a legitimate and necessary tool to achieve their goals. They were willing to use any means necessary to protect the Revolution, even if it meant the deaths of innocent people.
- Group dynamics and paranoia: The Committee of Public Safety, which oversaw the Reign of Terror, was a small, tightly-knit group of men who were under a great deal of stress. This led to a climate of paranoia and suspicion in which even the slightest hint of dissent could be interpreted as a threat.
- Power struggles: The Reign of Terror also served as a way for the more radical elements of the Revolution to consolidate power. By eliminating their rivals and critics, they could ensure that their vision for the future of France would prevail.
The Reign of Terror was a tragic period in French history, but it also had a profound impact on the course of the Revolution. It helped to consolidate the gains of the Revolution and to lay the foundation for a more egalitarian and democratic society in France.