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Reading Guide

Robespierre: On The Use of Terror

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Maximilien Robespierre: The Use of Terror

1. Who was Robespierre? What was his political position? Who was he speaking to? What genre of literature is this?

2. How does what Robespierre says relate to the thoughts of philosophes like Rousseau? Give the specific points.

3. What are the aims of the Revolution for Robespierre?

4. What is totalitarian about his ideas? Define "totalitarian".

5. Which of his ideas are nationalistic? What does "nationalistic" mean?

6. Why does Robespierre think terror is virtuous?

Know the Meanings of these phrases/words