The period of the French Revolution known as the Reign of Terror was similar to the trials and tribulations faced by the characters in The Crucible of 'Arthur Miller. The cycle of oppression, opportunity, and fear created the struggle for power that was key to the outcome of both events. The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a long process during which the French people seized power and established a Republic. (Rooms). The overarching 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 led by Maximilien Robespierre, head of the Committee of Public Safety ("The Reign of Terror") ). Amid much internal suspicion and fear, the reign of terror began. Much of France was politically divided, and Robespierre's method of maintaining government stability in times of crisis involved harsh punishments for anyone suspected of plotting against the new government (Chambers). Soon the accusations started flying and a handful of people convicted and killed for treason became thousands. Many cases have devolved into the accuser's word against the accused, and a government preoccupied with bigger issues has often not bothered to review these cases, simply convicting the accused, supposedly to promote a feeling of unity and control among French citizens. and to warn anyone who may have 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 went too far. The former Queen was very respectable...... middle of paper ......e Crucible. This was part of the change as a whole, rather than the entire change in one event. Works CitedChambers, Hanawalt, Rabb, Woloch and Tiersten. The Western experience. 10th ed. McGraw-Hill, 2009. Print. “French Revolution: Reign of Terror – Infoplease.com. » Infoplease: Encyclopedia, Almanac, Atlas, Biographies, Dictionary, Thesaurus. Free online reference, research and homework help. —Infoplease.com. Np, and Web. November 13, 2011. .Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. 1953. Reprint. New York: 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, and Web. November 13. 2011. .