Eeek - an essay question and so little space to answer! Maximillian Robespierre was one of the leading figures in the revolution, responsible for the White Terror which began in 1791 and one of the prime movers behind the attempt to rationalise the French calendar. Sadly, power went to his head and he was behind the execution of the popular Georges Danton. Gradually France tired of the Terror and Robespierre and his supporters [including his own brother Nicolas] went to the guillotine himself.