EARLY DAYS
Maximilien Robespierre was born in Arras, France on May 6, 1758. His father was a lawyer, and his mother died when he was 6. His father disappeared when he was 14, leaving him to go to school in a boarding school. He studied philosophy and law at the Louis-le-Grand University. After university, Robespierre was a lawyer in Arras and often represented poor people. This had influence on Robespierre and his views on the experiences of common people during the reign of King Louis XVI.
He became very interested in the idea of a virtuous man who stands alone accompanied only by his conscience. He gained a reputation for defending the poorest people. His nickname was "the Incorruptible," because he lived a life of strict moral values. This nickname stayed with him for the rest of his life.
Maximilien Robespierre was born in Arras, France on May 6, 1758. His father was a lawyer, and his mother died when he was 6. His father disappeared when he was 14, leaving him to go to school in a boarding school. He studied philosophy and law at the Louis-le-Grand University. After university, Robespierre was a lawyer in Arras and often represented poor people. This had influence on Robespierre and his views on the experiences of common people during the reign of King Louis XVI.
He became very interested in the idea of a virtuous man who stands alone accompanied only by his conscience. He gained a reputation for defending the poorest people. His nickname was "the Incorruptible," because he lived a life of strict moral values. This nickname stayed with him for the rest of his life.
The destruction of the party of patriots is the great goal of all conspiracies of this group ... You claim I am discouraging the nation? No, I am enlightening the nation; to enlighten free men means to encourage them.
Robespierre, speech at the Jacobin Club, January 1792.
Robespierre, speech at the Jacobin Club, January 1792.
ELECTION TO ESTATES-GENERAL
Robespierre was elected in 1789 by the citizens of Arras to the Estates-General, an assembly called by the king to deal with the financial crisis in France. He was 30 years old. There he became increasingly popular for his attacks on the monarchy. This was Robespierre’s first experience with political office. He became popular with the French people because of his modest lifestyle and because he supported their causes. For example, he opposed slavery and the death penalty. Other politicians viewed him as impractical because of his extreme refusal to compromise and his rigid ideals.
THE JACOBIN CLUB
Robespierre joined the Jacobin Club, a political club that supported the ideas of the French revolution. By 1789, he became the leader of the group. The Jacobins were the most powerful group during the French revolution and had power in the French Government under Robespierre until his death. They were responsible for overthrowing the French monarchy. The Jacobins included people with moderate views and people with extreme views, such as Robespierre. At first, the moderates had more power. The radical extreme group got control of the Jacobins under Robespierre in 1793 and held it until 1794.
Robespierre was elected in 1789 by the citizens of Arras to the Estates-General, an assembly called by the king to deal with the financial crisis in France. He was 30 years old. There he became increasingly popular for his attacks on the monarchy. This was Robespierre’s first experience with political office. He became popular with the French people because of his modest lifestyle and because he supported their causes. For example, he opposed slavery and the death penalty. Other politicians viewed him as impractical because of his extreme refusal to compromise and his rigid ideals.
THE JACOBIN CLUB
Robespierre joined the Jacobin Club, a political club that supported the ideas of the French revolution. By 1789, he became the leader of the group. The Jacobins were the most powerful group during the French revolution and had power in the French Government under Robespierre until his death. They were responsible for overthrowing the French monarchy. The Jacobins included people with moderate views and people with extreme views, such as Robespierre. At first, the moderates had more power. The radical extreme group got control of the Jacobins under Robespierre in 1793 and held it until 1794.