The Reign of Terror

Seeing the turmoil that was both within and surrounding France the leading political party known as the Jacobins determined that they would crush any resistance within their new nation. They established neighborhood watches that were intended to find anyone who was not loyal. These watches would turn in suspected traitors, who would often be put to death.

This period of time is known as the reign of terror, and lasted from July of 1793 until July of 1794, during which approximately 17,000 individuals were executed.