25 Most Cruel Rulers In History

Maximilien Robespierre

The architect of the French Revolution and main leader of the “Reign of Terror,” Maximilien Robespierre constantly spoke out about overthrowing the king and rising up against the aristocracy. After becoming elected to the Committee of Public Safety, Robespierre unleashed the Reign of Terror by arresting 300,000 suspected enemies and executing 17,000 of them by guillotine. With his enemies gone, he continued to call for more executions until officials around him grew suspicious and arrested him. He, in turn, was executed by guillotine.