Reign of Terror
The Reign of Terror also known as simply The Terror, was a period in the history of the French Revolution from 1793-1794 characterized by the brutal repression of those suspected of being counterrevolutionary by use of state terrorism. The Reign of Terror was directed by the Committee of Public Safety, a committee of twelve, including leader Maximilien Robespierre, who later fell victim to his own campaign of terror.The Terror is very aptly named. Thousands of innocent civilians were summarily judged and executed (by the guillotine, generally), or beaten by mobs, sometimes for their political opinions or actions, but often for little reason whatsoever.
The terror started on September 5, 1793 when the National Convention voted to implement terror measures to repress counter-revolutionary activities. The ensuing Reign of Terror lasted until the spring of 1794, and killed 35,000 to 40,000 people.
The end of the reign of terror was marked by Robespierre's death, starting the Thermidor Reaction.
The White Terror took place in 1815 following the return of King Louis XVIII to power; people suspected of having ties with the governments of the Revolution and Napoleon were arrested and executed.