Maximilien Robespierre, a prominent figure of the French Revolution and leader of the Committee of Public Safety, was arrested in Paris after being deemed a threat to the very government he helped establish. Having played a pivotal role in promoting revolutionary ideals and advocating for the execution of perceived 'enemies of the Revolution', Robespierre became synonymous with the Reign of Terror, a period characterized by political purges and mass executions. His fervent commitment to revolutionary principles led him to oversee the execution of more than 17,000 individuals, deeply polarizing public opinion and inciting fear among his contemporaries.

On July 27, 1794, a faction within the National Convention, alarmed by Robespierre's growing power and the mounting death toll from the guillotine, took decisive action against him. They accused him of tyranny, arguing that his relentless pursuit of virtue had devolved into dictatorial behavior. Robespierre attempted to defend himself but was met with hostility from his former allies, leading to his arrest. The circumstances surrounding his capture were fraught with tension, as factions within the revolution were increasingly suspicious of each other's motives.

Robespierre's arrest marked a significant turning point in the French Revolution, leading to his execution the following day without a fair trial or due process. This swift downfall highlighted the volatility of revolutionary politics and the dangers of unchecked power. The immediate aftermath saw a violent backlash against the more radical elements of the Revolution, signaling a shift away from extreme measures that had characterized the previous years.