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The birth and early life of Maximilien de Robespierre
Maximilien Marie Isidore de Robespierre was born on May 6, 1758 in Arras, France. Robespierre was the oldest of four of children. Robespierre's mother would die very early in his life and at the age of six Robespierre had lost his mother. Later his father would leave the four children in the care of their grandparents(Biography.com) -
The end of The French and Indian War
The French and Indian War or Seven Year's War, was fought between France and England in Europe and in the Americas the war was fought between English colonists and France colonists with their Indian allies. This war ends in the year 1763, after England and its colonists win the war. This is important because this gives America much more land as both Spain and France give up much of their land to America, strengthening the colonies and giving them more resources and land. (Taylor 1) -
The Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was a deliberate act of rebellion by the colonists. The colonists in Massachusetts, angry over the Tea Act ,which put a tax on tea in the colonies, dressed up as Indians and dumped 342 chests of tea that were on British ships in Boston Harbor. This actions by the colonists really started the revolution in America as it was the first really big defiance of the King's orders in the colonies. (Taylor 1) -
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was a document written primarily by Thomas Jefferson stating that the 13 colonies wanted their independence from Great Britain. This document is significant because it started a was between one of the world's most powerful nation and a a group of 13 colonies who had only been settled a couple of decades earlier. However, America would go on to win this war creating an entirely new nation that would develop into the country we know it as today. (Beck 564-565) -
The Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris was negotiated between America and Great Britain which ended the Revolutionary War. This treaty was ratified by Congress on January 4,1784. This treaty also recognized the fact that America was a free and independent nation. This is an important time in history as it completely changed what the future would hold by America becoming a free nation. (Taylor 1) -
The birth of Shay's rebellion in the colonies
Shay's Rebellion was a revolt by poor farmers who were angry over unfair and high taxes. The reason that these farmers were so upset was, they were being jailed because they couldn't pay taxes that were higher then they had ever been. Shay's Rebellion is so important because had it not been put down so quickly and fully, the United States could have destroyed itself from the inside, ending the nation's short life. (Taylor 1) -
The First President of the United States
On April 30, 1789 George Washington was sworn in as the United States first president. George Washington then enters the Senate Chamber and delivers his Inaugural address. This is a significant moment in the United States history as this is a moment in the United States history when the United States government is first put into use. (Taylor 1) -
Robespierre is elected deputy of the Third Estate
When Robespierre was in his early thirties, he made a choice that would drastically change not only his life but his own country's future. Robespierre decides to go into politics and tried to make a reputation for himself as a public speaker. In may Robespierre was elected as deputy of the Third Estate, the social class in France under the Old Regime made up of the common people. (Linton 1) -
Robespierre becomes a key political figure
It is during these first two years of The French Revolution that Robespierre is noticed. His speeches begin to gather for people and more people hear and listen to Robespierre's ideas. This was a crucial step in Robespierre's attempt for power. It is here the he is given the nickname "The Incorruptible". (Blumberg 290) -
Robespierre at the Estates General
The Estates General was the first formal meeting of all the Estates (social classes) in France for over 100 years. It was during his time serving as a deputy of the Third Estate at the Estates General that Robespierre gained all of his political experience. This experience would come in to use later when Robespierre attempts his grab at power. (Blumberg 289) -
Robespierre and the Jacobin Party gain control
In March of 1793 the French Revolution takes a bad turn for the revolutionists. There is inflation, food shortages, desertions in the army, rebellious peasant and the war with England, Austria, Prussia and Spain is going poorly. It is in this time where Robespierre can affect the people the most, and he takes full advantage of this. By June of 1793, Robespierre and the Jacobin Party has gained control of the Paris' government. (Blumberg 291) -
The birth of the Committee of Public Safety
This group, founded by the Jacobin Party was supposed to help the country by providing its citizens with a feeling of security during wartime. However, what this led to is the country being taken over by The Committee of Public Safety during the French Revolution. Robespierre became a key figure and eventually a leader in this group, and it is from here where he inspires terror and controls the whole of France. (Bosher 195) -
The beginning of the Reign of Terror
The Reign of Terror was a period in The French Revolution when Robespierre ruled France as a near dictator. Many people were unfairly tried and often executed the same day after a speedy trial with the outcome already determined, guilty. Robespierre gave many speeches justifying the Reign of Terror saying that it was actually to help the French people remain true to the values of the revolution. (Beck 582) -
Law of Suspects
In May of 1794 Robespierre and The Jacobin Party is able to push through the Law of Suspects. This made it possible to condemn people who were only "suspected" of treasonous acts. This made it possible for Robespierre and The Jacobin Party to eliminate their rivals on the basis that they were traitors to the country. This law lead to thousands of deaths without substantial charges inspiring fear in the citizens of France as they watched cartloads of people being executed. (Blumberg 291) -
The end of the Terror
The Terror that had plagued France ends on July 8, 1794. This is the same date of the death of Robespierre because, Robespierre was the "father" of the Terror. Without Robespierre to try to inspire fear into the people the Terror ends stopping the unfair trials and thousands of executions. Many historians believe that about 40,000 people were killed in France during the Reign of Terror. (Beck 583) -
The Death of Robepierre
On July 27, 1794 Robespierre was arrested as the revolutionary government no longer trusted him, and were afraid of being executed themselves. However, Robespierre was able to escape with help from his jailer however, when he heard he had been declared an outlaw he tried to commit suicide. However, he only managed to wound his jaw and arrested again. The next day Robespierre and many of his allies were executed at the guillotine. (Biography.com)
