Georges Danton

Profession: Politician and Revolutionary

Nationality:

Biography: Georges Danton was a French politician and revolutionary, best known as a leading figure in the early stages of the French Revolution. He is often remembered for his influential role in the development of the Revolution, particularly during its more radical phase. Danton's powerful oratory and commanding presence made him a central figure in the political turmoil of revolutionary France.

Born in northeastern France, Danton moved to Paris to study law and quickly became involved in the political arena as the Revolution gained momentum. He was known for his charismatic speeches and his ability to galvanize public opinion.

Danton played a crucial role in the storming of the Bastille in July 1789, a key event that symbolized the Revolution's escalation. In 1792, he became the first President of the Committee of Public Safety, the executive government body of the Revolutionary government, which was formed to defend France from foreign invasions and to manage internal dissent.

As a member of the Jacobin Club, a radical political organization, Danton was a strong advocate for the rights of the common people and supported revolutionary actions such as the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of the French Republic. His moderate stance on several issues, however, including his opposition to the continuation of the Reign of Terror, eventually put him at odds with more radical elements within the Jacobin Club, including Maximilien Robespierre.

Danton's political influence and outspoken nature eventually led to his downfall. In 1794, as the Reign of Terror intensified, Robespierre and his allies turned against Danton, accusing him and his associates of being lenient toward enemies of the Revolution and of corruption. Danton was arrested, tried before the Revolutionary Tribunal, and executed by guillotine on April 5, 1794, alongside many of his supporters.

Born: October 26, 1759
Birthplace: Arcis-sur-Aube, France
Star Sign: Scorpio

Died: April 5, 1794 (aged 34)
Cause of Death: Execution by guillotine

Historical Events

1791-07-17 Members of the French National Guard under command of General Lafayette open fire on crowd of radical Jacobins at Champ de Mars, Paris, during the French Revolution, killing up to 50 people
1791-09-03 French Revolution: The new French Constitution, declaring France a constitutional monarchy, is passed by the National Assembly
1792-04-20 Amidst the French Revolution, France declares war on Austria and Prussia, beginning the French Revolutionary Wars
1792-09-02 September Massacres of the French Revolution: In Paris rampaging mobs slaughter 3 Roman Catholic bishops, more than two hundred priests, and prisoners believed to be royalist sympathizers.
1792-09-21 French Revolution: The National Convention passes a proclamation announcing the formal abolition of the French monarchy
1792-09-22 French First Republic formed by the National Convention, stripping the French king of his powers
1793-01-16 French King Louis XVI sentenced to death by the National Convention during the French Revolution
1793-08-23 French Revolution: The National Convention adopts the levée en masse, conscripting all able-bodied men between 18 and 25 for military service during the French Revolutionary Wars
1793-09-05 French Revolution: the "Reign of Terror" begins
1793-10-05 French Revolution: Christianity is disestablished in France.
1794-02-04 French National Convention proclaims abolition of slavery