Was Robespierre Justified

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I believe the number of casualties in the French Revolution can be justified as it dramatically transformed not only France but Europe as a whole. There are many reasons behind the French Revolution, including the economic standing in which France was left in, after taking part in numerous wars. King Louis XVI also saw his power diminishing as the idea of divine right to rule was no longer widely accepted. Robespierre was a democrat who believed that all men should have rights, including the impoverished and the slaves. In what was described as the Republic Revolution led by Robespierre, a new constitution was instituted and brought many changes with it concerning the right to vote, while power was finally taken away from Louis XVI. The king, supported by foreign monarchs, aspired to regain his power. Robespierre, on the other hand, wanted to avoid war at all costs. Louis XVI was convicted of treason Although many citizens wanted him freed at first, people like Robespierre were contrary to his absolution. He argues that "—If Louis can be presumed innocent, what becomes of the Revolution?... Louis must die because the nation must live.” The former king was then executed at the guillotine.…show more content…
This is the time where I believe Robespierre grew into a dictator. Those who did not agree with his views were executed. It is estimated that between 15,000 to 50,000 people died under Robespierre's Reign of the Terror. He was later executed for his killings. A few years later, France got a new constitution and a similar government to the one in the United States. The French army was particularly effective and there is where Napoleon Bonaparte started his path to dictatorship and
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