5 September—This day in 1793 marks the onset of the infamous Reign of Terror, during which severe measures were imposed on people who were suspected (even without hard evidence) of being enemies of the French Revolution—in the circumstance the state. The Reign of Terror (ROT) was a period of wide-ranging and radical change in pretty well every aspect of French life, from economic and military policy to culture.

Government control was expanded, with a centralized—essentially unitary—executive calling all the shots. Local governments were thus closed down and dissent was not tolerated. The regime enacted laws that vitiated citizens’ rights, including one that enabled anyone considered an enemy of the revolution—the state—to be arrested.

Sound familiar? Not to worry. It could never happen here . . .