question_answer

Despite   various   reforms   introduced   by Robespierre, his reign was termed as a "reign of terror". Explain the reasons for this.                                              (5)  

Answer:

The Jacobin government under Robespierre abolished monarchy and declared France as a Republic, a form of government where people elect the government, including the Head of State. In spite of bringing these landmark changes, his period was referred to as a "reign of terror" because Robespierre followed a policy of severe control and punishment. All those who opposed him were considered enemies of the republic, were arrested, imprisoned and tried by a revolutionary tribunal. If found guilty, they were guillotined. Examples of his policies were a maximum ceiling on wages and prices and rationing of meat and bread.