Maximilien Robespierre was a French lawyer and politician, and one of the most prominent figures of the French Revolution. He was a vocal advocate for the rights of the common people, and played a leading role in the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the First Republic. He is also known for his role in the Reign of Terror, a period of intense repression and violence during which thousands of people were executed by guillotine.
Robespierre was born in Arras, France, in 1758. He studied law and became a successful lawyer. He was elected to the Estates-General in 1789, and quickly became a leading figure in the revolutionary movement. He was a member of the Committee of Public Safety, which oversaw the defense of the revolution, and he played a key role in the execution of King Louis XVI.
Robespierre's policies were often controversial, and he was eventually overthrown in a coup d'état on 9 Thermidor (27 July 1794). He was arrested and executed by guillotine the next day.
Robespierre remains a controversial figure. Some historians view him as a hero of the revolution, while others view him as a ruthless dictator. However, there is no doubt that he played a significant role in one of the most important events in modern history.