Final answer:
Maximillian Robespierre initially opposed war with Austria because he believed it could fortify the monarchy against the revolutionary forces seeking to eliminate it, specifically the Jacobins. Eventually, France did enter the conflict in 1792, influenced by broader European political struggles and internal political dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Maximillian Robespierre was a leading figure during the French Revolution, particularly during the Reign of Terror. Robespierre was initially against the war with Austria because he feared that it would strengthen the monarchy and aristocracy, which would be detrimental to the revolutionary cause. He was concerned about the possible political rallies around the monarchy that war might create, strengthening the monarchy's power.
The radical Jacobins, including Robespierre, wanted to eliminate the monarchy completely, not empower it. The Girondins, another political faction, advocated for war to spread France's revolutionary ideals and weaken the monarchical regimes in Europe. Despite initial reluctance, France declared war on Austria in 1792, which was part of a larger struggle within Europe involving multiple powers and complicate alliances.