Jacobins, << JAK uh bihnz >>, were members of the Jacobin Club, the most radical political society to rule during the French Revolution (1789-1799). The society got its name from its Paris headquarters, which was near the church of St. James (Jacques in French). The Jacobins favored changing France from a monarchy to a democratic republic. Most Jacobins were middle-class professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and teachers.
The Jacobins opposed war with other countries at first, fearing that it would lead to a military dictatorship. But when war broke out with Prussia and Austria in 1792, the Jacobins supported it to gain control.
The Jacobins came to power in 1793. They sent thousands of French people to the guillotine during the Reign of Terror (see Guillotine). Robespierre was the most influential Jacobin leader. But his fellow Jacobins, fearing his political beliefs, turned on him in 1794 and executed him. After his death, the Jacobins lost power.
