The period of the French Revolution known as the Reign of Terror was similar to the trials and tribulations faced by the characters in Arthur Miller's The Crucible. The cycle of oppression, opportunity, and fear created the power struggle that was central to the outcome of both events. The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a long process in which the French people took over the government and established a Republic. (Rooms). The overall goal of the Revolution was to place the power of government in the hands of the people. For two years, as France faced internal disorganization and external threats of war, the government was ruled by a wartime dictatorship under Maximilien Robespierre, the head of the Committee of Public Safety (“Reign of Terror”). Amidst much internal suspicion and fear, the reign of terror began. Much of France was politically divided, and Robespierre's method of keeping the government stable in a time of crisis included severe sanctions for anyone suspected of plotting against the new government (Chambers). Soon the accusations began to pour in and the people convicted and killed for treason became thousands. Many of the cases turned into the accuser's word against the accused, and a government concerned with larger issues often did not care to look into these cases, simply convicting the accused, presumably to promote a sense of unity and control among French citizens. and to warn anyone who has attempted acts of treason (Chambers). Ultimately, Marie Antoinette, guilty of no crime other than marrying the former king, was executed for treason ("French Revolution: The Reign of Terror"). Many thought this was a step too far. The former queen was highly respected...... middle of paper ......and Crucible. It was a part of the whole change, rather than the whole change in a single event. Works Cited Chambers, Hanawalt, Rabb, Woloch, and Tiersten. The Western experience. 10th ed. McGraw-Hill, 2009. Print. "French Revolution: The Reign of Terror - Infoplease.com." Infoplease: Encyclopedia, Almanac, Atlas, Biographies, Dictionary, Thesaurus. Free online reference, research and homework help. — Infoplease.com. Np, nd Web. November 13, 2011. .Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. 1953. Reprint. New York City: Penguin Books, 1976. Print."Reign of Terror - Infoplease.com." Infoplease: Encyclopedia, Almanac, Atlas, Biographies, Dictionary, Thesaurus. Free online reference, research and homework help. — Infoplease.com. Np, nd Web. November 13. 2011. .