Maximilien François Marie Isidore de Robespierre (French: [maksimiljɛ̃ ʁɔbɛspjɛʁ]; 6 May 1758 – 10 Thermidor, Year II [28 July 1794]) was a prominent French lawyer and statesman, widely recognized as one of the most influential, and controversial figures of the French Revolution. Robespierre played a pivotal role in the events that led to the downfall of the French monarchy on 10 August 1792 and the subsequent convening of the National Convention. His vision was centered on forging a unified and indivisible France, establishing equality under the law, eradicating prerogatives, and staunchly upholding the principles of direct democracy.As one of the prominent members within the Paris Commune, Robespierre was elected as a deputy to the French Convention in early September 1792. However, he faced criticism for purportedly trying to establish either a triumvirate or a dictatorship. In April 1793, Robespierre advocated at the Jacobins for the mobilization of a sans-culotte army aiming at enforcing revolutionary laws and eliminating any counter-revolutionary elements. This call led to the armed Insurrection of 31 May – 2 June 1793. Owing to health concerns, Robespierre initially announced his intention to resign. Nonetheless, on 27 July he was appointed as a member of the influential Committee of Public Safety. This appointment empowered him to effectively spearhead the reorganization of the Revolutionary Tribunal and establish a war cabinet in October 1793.While Robespierre consistently found support among like-minded allies, the politically motivated violence often advocated by the Montagnards faction led to disillusionment among others. Gradually, members of the Convention began to turn against him. In a dramatic turn of events, during the late hours of 9 Thermidor, Robespierre and his supporters were arrested within the Paris town hall. During the arrest, Robespierre sustained a jaw injury, though historical records remain unclear whether it was self-inflicted or a result of the ensuing skirmish. Subsequently, approximately 90 individuals, including Robespierre, faced execution in the following days, marking the onset of an era recognized as the Thermidorian Reaction. This tumultuous period witnessed a significant decimation of the left-wing faction within the Convention. Throughout his involvement in Estates-General, the Constituent Assembly, and the Jacobin Club, Robespierre fervently campaigned for the voting rights of all men and their unimpeded admission to the National Guard. His advocacy extended to pressing for the abolition of both the death penalty and the Atlantic slave trade. Additionally he advocated for the right to petition and the right to bear arms in self-defence. A figure deeply divisive during his lifetime, Robespierre's views and policies continue to evoke controversy even today, arguably maintaining a level of division in France unmatched by any other historical figure. Academic and popular discourse persistently engage in debates surrounding his legacy and reputation. Source: Wikipedia (en)