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French Revolution Biographies

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French Revolution Key Figures Biographies | Eden Salmon | Xmas Holiday Homework |

Robespierre Maximilien de Robespierre principal figures in the French Revolution. Born on the 6th May 1758 in Arras France he had a troubled childhood with his Mother dying when he was aged just 6 and his Dad leaving soon after that. He and his siblings were raised by their grandparents. Young Maximilien was educated in Paris, graduating from the Lycée Louis-le-Grand and earning a law degree in 1781. He became a lawyer in his home town and lived comfortably with a moderate income. Robespierre then took on a public role, calling for political change in the French monarchy. He became a great follower of social philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, intrigued by the idea of a virtuous man who stands alone accompanied only by his conscience. He was very influenced by the enlightenment and wanted equality and freedom by a means of intellectual debate and practical demonstration. He gained a reputation for defending the poorest of society and earned the nickname "the incorruptible" for his adherence to strict moral values. At age 30, Robespierre was elected to the Estates General of the French legislature. He became increasingly popular with the people for his attacks on the French monarchy and his advocacy for democratic reforms. He also opposed the death penalty and slavery. He was very much a liberal thinker and spread (with the enlightenment) liberal views across France, particularly the third estate. Some of his colleagues saw his refusal to compromise and his rigid stand against all authority as extreme and impractical. After a time he left the legislature to push his agenda outside of government. In April 1789, Robespierre was elected president of the powerful Jacobin political faction. In 1790 he participated in writing the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, the

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