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Questions about Maximilien Robespierre

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When was Maximilien Robespierre born and where did he grow up?

Maximilien François Marie Isidore de Robespierre was baptised on the 6th of May 1758 in the city of Arras, located in Artois. He lost his mother on the 16th of July 1764 when she died after delivering a stillborn son at age 29.

What education did Maximilien Robespierre receive before entering politics?

Robespierre commenced his education at the Arras College when he was only eight years old and secured a scholarship at the prestigious Collège Louis-le-Grand in Paris in October 1769. He graduated from the Sorbonne with a law degree in July 1780 after receiving a special prize of 600 for exceptional academic achievements.

Why did Maximilien Robespierre resign from his position as a judge in March 1782?

Robespierre resigned due to his ethical discomfort in adjudicating capital cases stemming from his opposition to the death penalty. He had been appointed as one of the five judges in the local criminal court in March 1782 but left shortly thereafter.

When did Maximilien Robespierre join the Committee of Public Safety and what powers did it hold?

On the 27th of July 1793, Robespierre joined the Committee of Public Safety replacing Thomas-Augustin de Gasparin to oversee the war effort. The committee operated without a hierarchical structure and introduced measures such as price controls on the 29th of September and established a paid armed force of 6,000 men on the 5th of September.

How did Maximilien Robespierre respond to the arrest of Danton and Desmoulins in March 1794?

On the 30th of March the two committees decided to arrest Danton and Desmoulins while Robespierre silenced criticism by stating that anyone who trembled at this moment was guilty. Following their executions on the 5th of April Robespierre withdrew from public life until he reappeared on the 7th of May.