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Warfare History

Unveiling Myths: 9 Misunderstood Events From the French Revolution

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3. The Guillotine Was the Revolution’s Only Method of Execution

exécution de marie antoinette le 16 octobre 1793
Marie Antoinette’s execution by guillotine on 16 October 1793: at left, Sanson, the executioner, showing Marie Antoinette’s head to the people. Anonymous, 1793. Source: Wikipedia

The guillotine is often seen as the exclusive instrument of death during the French Revolution. While it became the era’s enduring symbol, it was far from the only execution method. Firing squads, mass drownings, and other brutal techniques were also used, particularly during the violent apex of the Reign of Terror. The guillotine’s efficiency and spectacle made it infamous, but it was just one part of a broader system of revolutionary violence. For further reading, visit National Geographic.

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