Question

What was guillotine? How was it used?

Answer 1

Hint: The Reign of Terror was referred to as the period from 1793 to 1794. The guillotine was named after Dr. Guillotin who was the person who invented it.

Complete Answer:
A policy of severe punishment and control was followed by Robespierre. All those people whom he considered as being ‘enemies’ of the republic – members of other political parties, even members of his own party who did not agree with his methods, ex-nobles, and clergy– were arrested, imprisoned, and then tried by a revolutionary tribunal. If they were found to be ‘guilty’ by the court, they were guillotined. The guillotine is a device with which a person is beheaded consisting of two poles and a blade.

Laws that placed a maximum ceiling on prices and wages were issued by Robespierre’s government. Bread and meat were rationed. Peasants had to transport their grains to the cities forcefully which and then they had to sell them at the prices that were fixed by the government. All citizens were required to eat the pain d’égalité (equality bread), which is a loaf made of whole wheat; thus the use of more expensive white flour was forbidden. Equality was also required to be practiced through forms of speech and address. All French men and women were henceforth Citoyen and Citoyenne (Citizen) instead of the traditional Monsieur (Sir) and Madame (Madam). Churches had to shut down and their buildings were converted into offices or barracks.

Note: The guillotine is best known for its use in France, in particular during the French Revolution. Even his supporters began to demand moderation since Robespierre pursued his policies so relentlessly. Finally, in July 1794, he was convicted by a court and was arrested and on the next day sent to the guillotine.