France abolishes the monarchy and becomes a republic. Louis XVI had signed the constitution but was growing unpopular due to secret negotiations with Austria and Prussia against the interests of the people. As the economic difficulties of war increased discontent, radical political clubs like the Jacobins gained influence. Robespierre became the leader of the Jacobins and helped establish a repressive Reign of Terror, overseeing the execution of Louis XVI and thousands of others deemed enemies of the republic. Robespierre's authoritarian policies eventually led to his own downfall and execution in 1794, ending the Reign of Terror.