708. The Terror: The Reign of Robespierre (Part 2)
Summary
This episode explores the Reign of Terror in the French Revolution, contrasting the British myth of pure bloodshed with the revolutionaries' own political rationale. Hosts examine the life of Maximilien Robespierre, revealing his paradoxical blend of aristocratic habits, personal squeamishness, and radical commitment to Rousseau's ideals. The discussion traces his rise to power on the Committee of Public Safety, driven by his reputation for incorruptibility and his strategic vision to save the revolution from internal and external crises.
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