The Terror: everything you wanted to know

Published: May 18, 2024, 11 p.m.

Why did the French Revolution descend into a spiral of paranoia, finger-pointing and state violence? Were fears of treachery and counter-revolution justified? And how did the guillotine become a symbol of revolutionary justice? Speaking to Danny Bird, historian David Andress answers listener questions about 'the Terror' \u2013 a bloodthirsty phase of the French Revolution in which the new Republic descended into mass hysteria. \n\nThe HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices