3. Maximilien Robespierre
Maximilien Robespierre was a practicing lawyer and advocate for reform within the monarchy. He was heavily influenced by the teachings of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who believed in the idea of a “perfect man” who lived only by conscience rather than on external moral constraints that were thrust upon him. As such, he was concerned about the poorest members of society and earned the nickname “the incorruptible.”
Robespierre was a member of the Estates General, who wrote a new constitution, and also participated in the writing of the Declaration of the Rights of Man, a cornerstone of the revolution’s ideals. He argued in favor of the king’s execution and was elected to the committee that would create a new government for France. Perhaps this was when his own political ambitions were realized, and the incorruptible proved that he was fallible.
Robespierre went on to mastermind the Reign of Terror, a period of fear and discord in which any alleged enemies of the revolution were imprisoned. As many as 300,000 dissidents were arrested, and 17,000 were guillotined. During this time, Robespierre effectively eliminated any political opponents.
The executions that he was calling for led to widespread discontent with the now-radical dictator, and he was imprisoned. Robespierre tried unsuccessfully to commit suicide and was later arrested. He was executed at the same guillotine on which he had condemned so many.