The Reign of Terror: Radicalization and Mass Executions under Robespierre

The Reign of Terror did not emerge suddenly; rather, it was the result of years of social unrest, economic hardship, and political turmoil that set France on a course toward radicalization. The fall of the Ancien Régime, combined with growing revolutionary fervor, laid the foundation for the bloodshed that would follow. By understanding the conditions that gave rise to the Reign of Terror, we can better grasp the motivations of those who sought to reshape France through violence and fear.

The collapse of the Ancien Régime was driven by deep-seated inequalities between the ruling elite and the common people. For centuries, French society had been structured into three estates: the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners. While the first two estates enjoyed privileges and wealth, the Third Estate—comprising peasants, laborers, and the emerging bourgeoisie—bore the burden of heavy taxation and economic hardship. As Enlightenment ideas of liberty and equality spread, resentment toward the monarchy and aristocracy grew, igniting a revolutionary spirit among the oppressed classes.

Economic turmoil exacerbated tensions as France faced a severe financial crisis. Decades of war, extravagant spending by the monarchy, and a failing tax system left the country on the brink of collapse. The situation worsened in the late 1780s when poor harvests led to widespread food shortages. Soaring bread prices, the staple of the common people’s diet, fueled anger and desperation. As hunger and poverty gripped the nation, the belief that radical change was necessary gained momentum. In 1789, King Louis XVI, unable to resolve the crisis, convened the Estates-General, an assembly of representatives from all three estates. However, when the Third Estate was denied equal representation, they broke away and formed the National Assembly, marking the first significant challenge to monarchical authority.

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Release date

Audiobook: 29 March 2025