Maximilien François Marie Isidore de Robespierre (6 May 1758 – 28 July 1794) is a French lawyer, politician, and one of the best-known and most influential figures of the French Revolution.

As a member of the Estates-General, of the Constituent Assembly and of the Jacobin Club, he defends the abolition of slavery and of the death penalty, he supports equality of rights, universal suffrage and the establishment of a republic.

He opposes war with Austria and the possibility of a coup by La Fayette.

As a member of the Committee of Public Safety, he is instrumental in the period of the Revolution commonly known as the Reign of Terror, which ends a few months after his arrest and execution in July 1794.

Robespierre is influenced by 18th-century Enlightenment philosophes such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Montesquieu, and he is a capable articulator of the beliefs of the left-wing bourgeoisie.

He is described as being physically unimposing yet immaculate in attire and personal manners.

His supporters call him "The Incorruptible", while his adversaries call him dictateur sanguinaire (bloodthirsty dictator).