The brief period during the French Revolution when thousands of people were executed by the ruling faction is known as the Reign of Terror. It lasted from September 1793 to July 1794 and was led by the Committee of Public Safety, headed by Maximilien Robespierre. The Reign of Terror was characterized by a wave of mass executions, often through the use of the guillotine, targeting those deemed enemies of the revolution. People from all walks of life, including political opponents, aristocrats, clergy, and even commoners, were executed on charges of counter-revolutionary activities or being associated with the enemies of the republic. The Reign of Terror came to an end with the fall of Robespierre in July 1794.
