In 1792, the National Assembly officially ended the monarchy, which was replaced by the French Republic with a new government. This started a violent chapter in French history, known as the
Reign of Terror. The leader of this movement was Maxime Robespierre. He was a lawyer working in the Estates- General, who was strongly influenced by the Enlightenment thinkers. This made Robespierre a strong opponent of the French monarchy.
Robespierre also believed that everyone who did not agree with the ideals of the revolution should be executed. His fanaticism did not make him very popular. Some people thought he was too extreme, and eventually they proved to be right. Robespierre was supported by a political group called the Jacobines. Soon they dominated the National Assembly and started their Reign of Terror. This led to the death of thousands of people. Still, Robespierre enjoyed great popularity among the people of France. He had a gift for public speaking and could convince people quite easily.