Final answer:
The guillotine was considered humane during the French Revolution because it provided a quick and relatively painless execution for all criminals, regardless of their social class. It symbolized the era of the Reign of Terror and was used to execute thousands of people, including prominent figures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The guillotine was regarded as a humane way to execute criminals during the French Revolution. It was designed to mechanize executions and ensure that all people sentenced to death experienced the same quick and relatively painless execution regardless of social class. The guillotine symbolized the era of the Reign of Terror, where approximately 50,000 Frenchmen were executed, including high-profile figures like Georges Danton and Marie Antoinette.