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> The French Revolution 30 years earlier resulted in the execution of thousands and the deaths of at least 40,000

Let's not forget millions of people suffering in serfdom under the Ancien Regime.

Is that an excuse?

It's a justification, and a good one at that. Starving millions to death is not less violent than guillotining thousands, even if it is less abrupt.

This is never a justification. Read war of Vendee.

I claim only that the ends are just, not that they justify ALL the means. Thanks for the link - I learned something today.