Maximilien Robespierre and the French Revolution - European Civilization 1648-1945

Explore the life and impact of Maximilien Robespierre during the French Revolution in this 50-minute lecture from Yale University's European Civilization course. Delve into Robespierre's austere personal life and his severe political philosophy, examining how his difficult childhood may have shaped his revolutionary ideals. Discover his crucial insight that the Revolution faced threats not only from foreign adversaries but also from domestic counter-revolutionaries, including urban mercantilists and rural peasants. Analyze the factors behind regional support or opposition to the Revolution, with a focus on religious commitment. Investigate key events such as the trial of King Louis XVI and the death of Marat, and examine the conflict between the Jacobins and the Girondins. Learn about counter-revolutionary forces, including the Federalist Revolt and Western peasant uprisings. Explore the concept of revolutionary fervor in dechristianized regions and understand Robespierre's implementation of the Terror as an attempt to save the Revolution. This lecture, part of a broader course on European Civilization from 1648-1945, offers a comprehensive look at a pivotal figure and period in French history.