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What is the guillotine used for?

In: History of France [Edit categories]

Answer:

OUCH! - IT IS A DEVICE THAT CUTS OFF YOUR HEAD

Invented in 1791 by a Frenchman named Laquiante and Tobias Schmidt, a German engineer, it is named for the French doctor who oversaw its development, Joseph-Ignace Guillotin.

It consists of a large wooden frame housing a heavy metal blade between two upright guides. When lifted and released, the blade falls freely (like an ax) to behead condemned prisoners. It replaced hanging as a method of execution in 18th Century France, and was used on many individuals during the French revolution, notably King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

Similar tools are now made small and sharp enough to prepare a cigar for smoking.

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First answer by ID3391977347. Last edit by ID3391977347. Question popularity: 141 [recommend question].

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Relevant answers:

Who was the guillotine used for?
bandits, theives, no one special.
Where was the guillotine used?
The guillotine was used during the french revolution in 1789 until 1799 Improve by Crisdean The guillotine had been used in France until 1981 as death penalty.
How was the guillotine used in the French Revolution?
Quite effectively and with great efficiency.
What was the guillotine used for in the French Revolution?
It was the prescribed method of Capital Punishment in France.
When was the guillotine first used?
it was first used on Nicolas Jacques Pelletier on April 25, 1792