Jacobins

Jacobins, powerful political clubs during the French Revolution, named for the former Jacobin (Dominican) convent where the leaders met. Originally middle-class, they became increasingly radical advocates of terrorism. After they seized power in 1793, the extremists, led by Robespierre, instituted the Reign of Terror. In the Thermidor reaction the clubs were suppressed, to revive under the Directory and finally be put down by Napoleon.

See also: French Revolution; Robespierre, Maximilien Marie Isidore.