Maximilien Robespierre was born May 6, 1758 in Arras, France. Educated at the Lycée Louis-le-Grand in Paris as a lawyer, Robespierre became a disciple of philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau and a passionate advocate for the poor. Called "the Incorruptible" because of his unwavering dedication to the Revolution, Robespierre joined the Jacobin Club and earned a loyal following. In contrast to the more republican Girondins and Marie Antoinette, Robespierre fiercely opposed declaring war on Austria, feeling it would distract from revolutionary progress in France.
Robespierre's exemplary oratory skills influenced the National Convention in 1792 to avoid seeking public opinion about the Convention’s decision to execute King Louis XVI. In 1793, the Convention elected Robespierre to the Committee of Public Defense.
He was a highly controversial member, developing radical policies, warning of conspiracies, and suggesting restructuring the Convention. This behavior eventually led to his downfall, and he was guillotined without trial on 10th Thermidor An II (July 28, 1794), marking the end of the Reign of Terror.
