Final answer:
Maximilien Robespierre played a central role in the French Revolution by leading the violent Reign of Terror and was both revered as a staunch advocate of Enlightenment principles and reviled as a tyrant for his extreme, bloody measures. His leadership was marked by executions, radical reforms, and eventually led to his own downfall
Step-by-step explanation:
The role of Maximilien Robespierre in the French Revolution was pivotal as he led the Reign of Terror through his position on the Committee of Public Safety. Declaring those who opposed the king's execution as enemies of the revolution, Robespierre and his supporters inaugurated a period of violent repression, executing approximately 50,000 individuals. The measures included the draconian Laws of Suspects and the Law of 22 Prairial which empowered revolutionary tribunals to rapidly process and execute many prisoners.
Robespierre was viewed as both a tyrant and a dedicated revolutionary due to his fervent advocacy for republican ideas and even more extreme leadership. His dedication to Enlightenment principles and his radical approach to implementing them, like dechristianization efforts, showcased his revolutionary zeal. Conversely, his methods, which led to the deaths of countless people including political opponents and former allies, earned him a reputation as a merciless tyrant. His rule ended with his own execution, symbolizing the fall of the Reign of Terror and paving the way for Napoleon Bonaparte's rise.