Final answer:
The phrase "heads are going to roll" reflects the Reign of Terror's use of the guillotine to execute thousands, symbolizing the government's reliance on terror to eliminate opposition and enforce revolutionary ideas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase "heads are going to roll" aptly describes the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution because it was a period marked by extreme violence and the execution of the revolutionary government's perceived enemies. Under the leadership of Maximilien de Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety, the Terror was characterized by the widespread use of the guillotine. Approximately 50,000 people were executed, including prominent figures like Marie Antoinette and Georges Danton. Guillotines were placed prominently in public areas, underscoring the period's ruthless approach to quashing dissent and enforcing revolutionary ideals.
The Reign of Terror became symbolic of the dark side of the revolution, as the government opted to use terror as a tool to maintain power and suppress opposition. This era of French history serves as a stark reminder of how a government's reliance on fear and retributive justice can lead to widespread atrocities and ultimately undermine the very principles it sought to uphold.