Guillotine
An apparatus designed for carrying out executions by beheading
Real World Example
The guillotine was a device used during the French Revolution for executing people by beheading them swiftly and efficiently. It became a symbol of the revolution, representing equality before the law as it was used to execute both commoners and nobility alike. This period saw thousands executed, including King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, highlighting its role in the radical changes of the time. The guillotine symbolized the revolutionary ideas of justice and equality, as it was seen as a more humane and democratic method of execution compared to previous practices. Today, the values of justice and equality can be seen in societal debates about fair treatment and humane practices, such as discussions around the death penalty and how it aligns with modern human rights standards.