The French Revolution was a period of extreme political and social change in late 18th century France led by Maximilien Robespierre, who came to power during the Reign of Terror where those who opposed him could be executed. Robespierre headed the Committee of Public Safety and established a repressive regime until he himself was executed in 1794, but the Revolution influenced modern European political thought, increased citizen participation in government, and changed the political landscape of Europe permanently.

1. The French Revolution

2. What Was It? -a period of extreme political and social change in France -Maximilien Robespierre came to power -This period was known as the reign of Terror -It was a period where you could be beheaded for merely saying something that opposed Robespierre

3. Maximilien Robespierre -head of the Committee of Public Safety -which is ironic because safety of the people was the last thing he was concerned about -part of the left-wing bourgeoisie -influenced by the enlightenment ideas of Montesquieu and Rousseau -involved with the Jacobins -had the king executed and took charge of France -thought that his Reign of Terror was necessary -He himself was executed July 28, 1794

4. Importance -it helped influence the way many Europeans think today -it finally brought people to be involved in politics -set model for later revolutions -changed the political map of Europe forever