Maximilien Robespierre was a prominent figure in the Jacobin Party during the French Revolution which fought for the abolishment of absolute monarchy. However, he is often seen in a negative light by historians and people, and some even consider him to be the prototype of totalitarian leaders that would come in later centuries. Robespierre had many good intentions in his early life and stuck by these ideals until his death. He could even be considered ahead of his time as he advocated for social equality and Democratic ideals. His choice to reach his goals by means of violence would ultimately tarnish his historical reputation.
The events that occurred in Robespierre’s early life would go on to influence his choices during the French Revolution. As a young man, Robespierre read the works of Enlightenment Philosophers such as John Locke, Baron de Montesquieu, and especially Jean-Jaques Rousseau. Robespierre was heavily inspired by Rousseau’s work such as the Social Contract which described the idea that government gets authority by people’s consent. Robespierre would go on to become a lawyer and he represented the poor because he’s advocating for them. Robespierre as a lawyer sympathized with the poor over the nobility and greatly opposed the social hierarchy. He showed his opposition in a report he wrote titled “Mémoire pour le Sieur Dupond” (“Report for Lord Dupond”) where he criticized royal absolutism. Robespierre used his position as a lawyer to practice altruism by representing the poor.
However, Robespierre took his opposition to the nobility to the extreme. As the French Revolution continued, Robespierre’s political views became more radical. Robespierre takes Rousseau’s work out of context with the idea of the uncorrupted which he believes solely represents himself and places himself on a pedestal above everyone else. Robespierre believed in the idea that the ends justify the means. This means that as long as the end result is something virtuous and prosperous, the hardship and struggle preceding it will be worth it. As a result of this view, Robespierre simultaneously executed many citizens in the name of revolution. Also, rather than believing the idea of innocent until proven guilty, Robespierre strongly believed that people shouldn’t be so cautious when accusing the nobility and wealthy class. He stated in a letter advising the Revolutionary Tribunal, “People are always telling judges to take care to save the innocent; I tell them . . . to beware of saving the guilty.” This ideal led to Robespierre taking the lives of many people who were very likely innocent. During the Reign of Terror as many as 17,000 people were executed.
Robespierre is a very controversial figure in history but he is a prime example of what can happen if too much power is given to one person. People today can look at the violent actions of Robespierre and use that knowledge to ensure that they will never grant too much power towards one person. People can prevent themselves from falling into extremism by keeping empathy and valuing human life at all times.