Final answer:
The National Convention instituted the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution to suppress counter-revolutionary activities and maintain revolutionary principles. The Reign of Terror involved mass arrests, executions, and a climate of fear and suspicion. The excessive brutality and arbitrary nature of the terror led to widespread dissent and the downfall of Robespierre.
Step-by-step explanation:
The National Convention instituted the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution in response to perceived threats to the new revolutionary government. The primary goal was to suppress counter-revolutionary activities and maintain revolutionary principles. The Reign of Terror involved mass arrests, executions, and a climate of fear and suspicion.
The Convention established the Committee of Public Safety, led by Maximilien Robespierre, with extensive powers to act against enemies of the revolution. The use of the guillotine became a symbol of the Reign of Terror, as thousands of people, including both nobles and ordinary citizens, were executed.
The Convention believed that the extreme measures of the Reign of Terror were necessary to protect the revolution and prevent a return to monarchy or foreign invasion. However, the excessive brutality and arbitrary nature of the terror led to widespread dissent and eventually contributed to the downfall of Robespierre and the end of the Terror.
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