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Guillotine This is just a little more information about the French invention, the guillotine. The French Revolution was the first time it was used as an execution method killing 15,000 people during that period of time.

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The guillotine was first discussed as an alternative to more traditional forms of capital punishment by Dr. Guillotin in the 1780’s, who after receiving no support from the government gave up the idea. The first guillotine was made in France in 1791 by a German engineer, Tobias Schmidt at the request of the French Assembly. The guillotine comprises of two tall upright beams with a crossbar from which a blade, either curved or straight hangs. It is operated by a pulley system whereby a rope pulls the blade up then drops, releasing the blade. At the base, there was a stockade like structure where the condemned was restrained. In front of the guillotine a basket was placed to catch the head and metal trays were placed around this to catch blood. The guillotine was tested on animals and already dead bodies to ensure it would work. The guillotine was first used for punishment in 1792 on a highwayman. The French Assembly used the guillotine as its only method of capital punishment throughout the French Revolution and the years of the Terror that followed. The guillotine was used in France until 1977.





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