Final answer:
The Reign of Terror during the French Revolution, led by Maximilien de Robespierre, remains a topic of debate, with opinions varying on whether it was a necessary defense against tyranny or a despotic period that contradicted the ideals of liberty.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Reign of Terror was a complex and multifaceted period of the French Revolution that has continued to provoke debate regarding its justification. Confronted with both internal and external threats, the revolutionary government under Maximilien de Robespierre resorted to extreme measures in its attempt to preserve the revolution and instill republican values. The period saw widespread violence, numerous executions, and a society gripped by fear. Robespierre defended the harsh regime as a necessary defense against tyranny, akin to 'the despotism of liberty against tyranny', yet this justification remains contentious. Some argue that the Terror was a crucial instrument against counter-revolutionary forces; others perceive it as an abusive and bloody chapter that tarnished the revolution's ideals. The question of whether the Reign of Terror was a justified response to the challenges faced by the revolution or an exercise of despotic power itself reflects broader tensions about the means of achieving and preserving freedom.
Hence, the Reign of Terror was a complex and multifaceted period of the French Revolution that has continued to provoke debate regarding its justification.