The Jacobins were a radical political group during the French Revolution from 1789 to 1799. Originally founded as a moderate political club, they quickly became influential leaders advocating for the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic. Led by figures like Maximilien Robespierre and Jean-Paul Marat, they played a significant role in the overthrow of King Louis XVI and directed the Reign of Terror—a period marked by mass executions of perceived enemies of the revolution. They began as a small group of anti- royalist deputies from Brittany, meeting in a former Dominican convent known as the Jacobin Club in Paris. Over time, the club expanded to include many members and affiliated clubs throughout France, becoming a dominant force in revolutionary politics. The Jacobins pushed for radical social and economic reforms, including abolition of slavery in French colonies and price controls on essential goods. Their rule became increasingly authoritarian, culminating in the Reign of Terror, during which thousands were executed, including many former allies. The Jacobins fell from power in 1794 after the execution of Robespierre, and the club was disbanded later that year. The term "Jacobin" has since been associated with radical left-wing politics and extreme egalitarianism.
