Robespierre was a controversial French figure during the French Revolution who became a leader of the revolution and a spokesman for the revolutionary cause. His record is controversial because he sought to create a "virtuous republic" through quick and swift justice, which was essentially the use of execution to rid France of anyone against the revolution that swept France. Many accused Robespierre of being a tyrant or dictatorial and eventually he was executed himself.
The main reason why the United States largely shied away from imperialism prior to 1890 was because it was still a relatively "fragile" nation with a host of its own issues to work out--such as the slavery issue that eventually led to the devastating Civil War.
The answer is true. I hope I helped.
