What term describes the period of violent repression during the French Revolution from 1793 to 1794?

The term that describes the period of violent repression during the French Revolution from 1793 to 1794 is "Reign of Terror." This period was marked by extreme political upheaval and is most commonly associated with the Jacobin-led government, particularly under Maximilien Robespierre. During the Reign of Terror, revolutionary leaders sought to eliminate perceived enemies of the revolution, leading to mass arrests and executions—most famously by guillotine.

The focus was on protecting the revolution and ensuring that counter-revolutionary elements did not undermine the progress made. The result was a climate of fear where any dissent could lead to serious consequences, including death. The significance of this term lies in its illustration of how revolutionary ideals can sometimes lead to violence and tyranny.

The other choices reference different historical contexts: the Revolutionary War generally relates to the American struggle for independence, the French Civil War is a misleading term since what is commonly referred to as civil conflict in France occurred in different contexts, and the Age of Enlightenment refers to the intellectual movement that preceded these events, emphasizing reason and individualism rather than the violent instability represented in the Reign of Terror.