What was the Reign of Terror?

The Reign of Terror was a ten-month period during the French Revolution, specifically from September 1793 to July 1794, marked by extreme political repression and widespread executions. This era was characterized by the use of violence and fear as tools to eliminate perceived enemies of the revolution, including aristocrats and counter-revolutionaries. The Committee of Public Safety, led by figures like Maximilien Robespierre, orchestrated these policies in an effort to protect the revolution from internal and external threats. The guillotine became a symbol of this period, as thousands were executed under suspicions of treason or dissent. This atmosphere of paranoia and brutality defined the Reign of Terror, distinguishing it as a significant and tumultuous chapter in revolutionary France.

The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of this historical period. A period of peace and reconciliation would contradict the very nature of the Reign of Terror, which was marked by upheaval and violence. A political gathering for reform discussions does not encompass the severe actions taken during this time, while a celebration of the republic's establishment would miss the oppressive environment that characterized the Reign of Terror.