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Maximilien Robespierre

French lawyer and statesman of French Revolution.

Maximilien Robespierre was a key figure in the French Revolution, advocating for voting rights, National Guard admission, petition rights, and abolition of slave trade. He faced criticism for alleged dictatorship ambitions, leading to his arrest and execution during the Thermidorian Reaction.

Related

French Revolution Louis XVI Napoleon Bonaparte Voltaire Marie Antoinette Jean-Paul Sartre Russian Revolution Éric Zemmour Thomas Paine Emmanuel Macron

Timeline

Birth of Maximilien Robespierre

Maximilien François Marie Isidore de Robespierre, a French lawyer who became a key figure in the French Revolution, was born on May 6, 1758.

Birth of Maximilien Robespierre

Maximilien Robespierre was born on July 28, 1758. He was a French lawyer and politician who played a significant role in the French Revolution.

Death of Jacqueline Robespierre

In 1764, Maximilien Robespierre's mother, Jacqueline-Marguerite Carrault, passed away at the age of 29 while giving birth to a stillborn daughter. Her death had a profound impact on the Robespierre family.

Abandonment by Maximilien Robespierre's Father

In 1767, Maximilien Robespierre's father, also named Maximilien de Robespierre, left Arras for good, abandoning his children to the care of relatives. This event marked a significant turning point in the young Robespierre's life.

Birth of Maximilien Robespierre

Maximilien Robespierre is born in Arras, a small city in Artois, France.

Robespierre studies at Louis-le-Grand college

Robespierre studies at the Louis-le-Grand college in Paris and becomes acquainted with the works of Rousseau.

Graduation of Maximilien Robespierre

Maximilien Robespierre graduated with his law degree and started a law practice in Arras. He was known for his beliefs in equality, liberty, and service to country.

Maximilien Robespierre becomes an Advocate

In January 1781, Maximilien Robespierre started his career as an advocate.

Robespierre's Shift into Public Service and Politics

In 1783, Maximilien Robespierre's career transitioned into public service and politics. He began representing poor clients as a lawyer and supported campaigns to reform the absolute monarchy in France.

Robespierre's Maiden Speech

On June 6, 1789, Robespierre delivered his first speech in the Estates-General, criticizing the hierarchical structure of the church and showcasing his eloquence and passion for reform.

Election as President of the Jacobins

Maximilien Robespierre was elected as the president of the Jacobins on March 31, 1790. His radical speeches advocating for universal suffrage and other reforms gained him popularity among the people and within the Jacobin Club.

Robespierre discusses organization of National Guard

Robespierre discussed the organization of the National Guard in the Assembly, a topic that had been widely debated in French newspapers for three years.

Robespierre denounces slave trade

Robespierre opposed the inclusion of the term 'slaves' in a law, arguing that slavery contradicted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.

Granting citizenship to people of colour

The Constituent Assembly granted citizenship to 'all people of colour born of free parents', with Robespierre arguing against the Colonial Committee's opposition.

Robespierre's Speech on Revolutionary War

Robespierre argued for a revolutionary war to free subjects and slaves from unjust tyranny, emphasizing the importance of fighting for the people's sovereignty rather than traditional reasons like defending dynasties.

Robespierre's Speech on Saving the State and Liberty

Robespierre proposed constitutional measures to strengthen the forces defending the revolution, promoting the idea of a people's army to impose the will of the revolution on political factions.

Declaration of War Against Austria

When war was declared, Robespierre emphasized the need for the French people to arm themselves to fight against external threats and prevent despotism at home.

Robespierre supports decree to end slavery

Robespierre attended a Jacobin meeting to support a decree aimed at ending slavery.

Petition for general emancipation of blacks

A delegation led by Chaumette presented a petition to the Convention requesting the general emancipation of blacks in the colonies, which was officially included in the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen of 1793.

Robespierre elected to the Committee of Public Safety and death penalty for hoarders instituted

Maximilien Robespierre is elected to the Committee of Public Safety, and the National Convention introduces the death penalty for hoarders of goods.

Recognition of the Committee of Public Safety

On 10 October 1793, the Convention officially recognized the Committee of Public Safety as the supreme 'Revolutionary Government'. This designation granted the Committee unprecedented authority over the economy and political life of the nation.

Official abolition of slavery in St Domingue

Slavery was officially abolished in St Domingue, with Robespierre criticizing the former governor's actions regarding the freed slaves.

Accusations against Robespierre by François Chabot

On the morning of 14 November 1793, François Chabot accused Robespierre of counter-revolution and a foreign conspiracy, dragging him from bed with allegations of royalist plotters. Chabot was later arrested, and Courtois urged Danton to return to Paris.

Accusations against Danton by Robespierre

On 3 December 1793, Robespierre accused Danton in the Jacobin Club of feigning an illness to emigrate to Switzerland, criticizing him for showing his vices more than his virtue. The gathering was closed after applause for Danton.

Accusations against Cloots and De-Christianisers

On 12 December 1793, Robespierre attacked the wealthy foreigner Cloots in the Jacobin club, denouncing the 'de-Christianisers' as foreign enemies. The Indulgents accused the Committee of Public Safety of being murderers.

Report on the Principles of Political Morality

Robespierre praised the revolutionary government and argued that terror and virtue were necessary for popular government during revolution.

Arrest of Hébert and his followers

Hébert and 18 of his followers were arrested on charges of being agents of foreign powers. This event marked a significant crackdown on the ultra-left Hébertists.

Execution of Hébert, Cloots, and De Kock

Around twenty people, including Hébert, Cloots, and De Kock, were guillotined on the evening of 24 March. Robespierre protected Hanriot and Pache during this time.

Arrest of Condorcet

Condorcet was arrested on 25 March as an enemy of the Revolution and later committed suicide two days later.

Robespierre elected into Committee of Public Safety

Robespierre was elected as a member of the Committee of Public Safety, where he stood out as one of the most radical revolutionaries.

Robespierre's Announcement of God's Existence

On May 6, 1794, Robespierre announced the Committee of Public Safety's recognition of the existence of God and the immortality of the human soul, aiming to rejuvenate spirituality in France through Deist beliefs.

Robespierre elected president of the National Convention

On June 4, 1794, Maximilien Robespierre was elected as the president of the National Convention. This event marked a significant moment in the French Revolution.

Festival of the Supreme Being

During the 'Festival of the Supreme Being' on June 8, 1794, Robespierre made his public debut as a leader and Convention president, expressing his passion for virtue, nature, and deist beliefs.

Celebration in honor of the Supreme Being

On June 10, 1794, a celebration in honor of the Supreme Being was held, mostly at the request of Maximilien Robespierre. This event was part of the Cult of the Supreme Being, which was declared an official religion by the National Convention.

Robespierre's Accusation of Conspiracy

On June 12, 1794, Robespierre accused his opponents of trying to turn the Montagnards against the government, claiming a conspiracy to discredit him, which led to his withdrawal from the committee amidst minority opposition.

Robespierre's Arrest and Trial

Robespierre was arrested and put on trial after being denounced as a murderer by conspirators within the National Convention and the Committee of Public Safety. He returned on 26 July to defend himself but refused to name any traitors, causing chaos among the deputies.

Arrest and Execution of Robespierre

On 27 July 1794, Maximilien Robespierre was arrested following a conspiracy to overthrow him due to his tyrannical rule during the Reign of Terror. The next day, he and 21 of his loyalists were executed by guillotine after a struggle, marking the end of his reign.

Execution of Robespierre, Saint-Just, and Couthon

Maximilien Robespierre, Saint-Just, and Couthon are executed, marking the end of the Reign of Terror and the beginning of the Thermidorian Reaction.

Aftermath of Robespierre's Execution

Following Robespierre's execution, his brother and allies were transported to a hospital, while the Revolutionary Tribunal sentenced others to death. The mass execution took place at the Place de la Révolution amidst a furious mob.

Ruth Scurr's book 'Fatal Purity', published in 2007, delves into the life of Maximilien Robespierre and his role during the French Revolution.

Publication of 'Robespierre: The Man Who Divides Us the Most'

A book written by Gauchet and DeBevoise exploring the divisive figure of Maximilien Robespierre and his impact on history.

End of the Timeline
Maximilien Robespierre

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