Robespierre and The Reign of Terror

The Reign of Terror described the period when Maximilien Robespierre was in control of France.
It lasted from July 1793 until July 1794. It stated when Robespierre became the leader of the Committee of Public Safety. Robespierre wanted to wipe out all traces off France's past from before the French Revolution and suppress counter-revolutionaries and those loyal to the crown. Also since Robespierre was a radical, many moderates were considered "enemies of liberty". Religious things were considered old-fashioned and were banned. Many churches were closed and the calendar was changed to be more scientific. Anybody who opposed the actions of the Committee of Public Safety and Robespierre were beheaded with the guillotine. Many common people were also beheaded for very small reasons because they were thought to oppose the Revolution. Most of the people executed during the Reign of Terror were commoners. Robespierre defended his actions by saying that they stayed true to the ideas of the Revolution. Members of the National Convention were afraid of losing their heads so they kept quiet. However some members of the National Committee conspired against Robespierre and had him beheaded, thus ending the Reign of Terror.