"If the main idea of a democratic government in peacetime is virtue (good morals), in revolution it is both virtue and terror, virtue without terror is fatal; terror without virtue is powerless." - Robespiene in a speech before the Convention, February 1794 What conduct was Robespleme trying to justify in this speech? French conquests in the rest of Europe The use of violence against political opponents The execution of Louis XVI The protection of individual rights against claims by French Royalists

## Step 1<br />The problem presents a quote from Robespierre, a key figure in the French Revolution. The quote discusses the dual nature of virtue and terror in a democratic government during peacetime and revolution. <br /><br />## Step 2<br />Robespierre's statement suggests that during a revolution, virtue and terror are both necessary. He argues that virtue without terror is fatal, and terror without virtue is powerless. This implies that he is justifying the use of terror as a means to achieve virtue during a revolution.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The options provided are all events or actions that occurred during the French Revolution. However, the quote does not directly address any of these events or actions. Instead, it discusses the use of terror as a means to achieve virtue during a revolution.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />Based on the context of the quote and the options provided, the most appropriate answer is that Robespierre is justifying the use of violence against political opponents. This is because the quote discusses the use of terror, which can be interpreted as violence, to achieve virtue during a revolution.