Robespierre followed a policy of severe control and punishment. Explain with
special reference to strict laws initiated by him. (State any three laws)
Answers
Answer:
Maximilian Robespierre proved to be an autocratic ruler. He sentenced to death all those persons who he considered as enemies of the republic, whether they were ex-noble, clergy, and members of any political parties; including Jacobins. Robespierre followed a policy of severe control and punishment. Guillotine, a device (named after inventor Dr. Guillotin) was used to behead a person at that time. It consists of two poles and a blade. Guilty persons were beheaded using guillotine. Use of guillotine and public display of severed heads were ways to show the ruler's might to the public.
Government led by Robespierre issued many laws among which ceiling maximum wages and price and rationing were main. Foods, such as meat and bread were rationed. Peasants were forced to sell their grains on fixed price in cities. Citizens were forced to eat equality bread, white flour which was costlier was forbidden. Use of Citoyen and Citoyenne for men and women citizen started instead of the traditional Sir (Monsieur) and Madam (Madame). Churches were shut down and their buildings were converted into offices and barracks. Practice of equality was sought everywhere.
Because of forcible implementation of laws, even supporters of Robespierre started the demand for change. Finally, Robespierre arrested and guillotined in July 1794. Reign of Terror ended with the end of Robespierre.
Answer:
This statement justifies:
(i) The period from 1793 to 1794 is referred to as the 'Reign of Terror'. Robespierre followed a policy of severe control and punishment.
(ii) All those whom he saw as being 'enemies' of the republic-ex-nobles and clergy, members of other political parties, even members of his own party who did not agree with his methods were arrested, imprisoned and then tried by a revolutionary tribunal.
(iii) If the court found them 'guilty' they were guillotined.
(iv) Robespierre's government issued laws placing a maximum ceiling on wages and prices. Meat and bread were rationed. Peasants were forced to transport their grain to the cities and sell it at prices fixed by the government.
(v) Churches were shut down and their buildings converted into barracks or offices.