who were jacobins

The Jacobins were a prominent and influential political club during the French Revolution, active mainly from 1789 to 1799. They began as a group of anti- royalist deputies from Brittany, meeting in a former Dominican convent in Paris called the Jacobin Club, which gave them their name. The Jacobins became known for their radical approach to governance, particularly advocating for the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic. Led by prominent figures like Maximilien Robespierre and Jean-Paul Marat, they played a crucial role in overthrowing King Louis XVI and establishing the French Republic. The Jacobins are especially known for their leadership during the Reign of Terror, a period marked by extreme measures including widespread executions of perceived enemies of the revolution, which led to significant bloodshed including the execution of many former allies. Their governance ended in 1794 with the fall and execution of many of their leaders, including Robespierre. The Jacobins also advocated for social reforms such as the abolition of slavery in French colonies, price controls to support the common people, and state education. Their legacy remains influential in political discourse, often associated with radical left-wing politics and extreme egalitarianism.