Georges Jacques Danton

Date of Birth: October 26, 1759

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: April 5, 1794

Biography

Georges Jacques Danton was a leading figure in the early stages of the French Revolution. Born on October 26, 1759, in Arcis-sur-Aube, France, Danton became a prominent lawyer and politician. His oratory skills and charismatic leadership played a crucial role in the fall of the monarchy and the establishment of the First French Republic. Danton was a co-founder of the Cordeliers Club, a radical political group advocating for democratic reforms. He also served as the first President of the Committee of Public Safety, the executive government during the Reign of Terror. Despite his initial support for revolutionary violence, Danton later called for moderation and reconciliation, which led to his political downfall. In 1794, during the height of the Reign of Terror, Danton was arrested by his political rival, Maximilien Robespierre, and accused of corruption and counter-revolutionary activities. He was tried by the Revolutionary Tribunal and executed by guillotine on April 5, 1794.

5 Interesting Facts about Georges Jacques Danton

1. Georges Danton was known for his powerful and persuasive public speaking, which helped rally the masses to the revolutionary cause.

2. He played a pivotal role in the storming of the Tuileries Palace on August 10, 1792, which led to the fall of the French monarchy.

3. Danton was initially a supporter of the Reign of Terror but later advocated for its cessation, which ultimately led to his arrest and execution.

4. He was a key figure in the establishment of the Revolutionary Tribunal, which was responsible for prosecuting enemies of the revolution.

5. Danton’s legacy is complex; he is both celebrated as a hero of the revolution and criticized for his role in the violence and chaos of the period.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Georges Jacques Danton

1. “Audacity, audacity, always audacity, and France is saved!”

2. “We must dare, and dare again, and go on daring!”

3. “The revolution devours its children.”

4. “Show my head to the people, it is worth seeing.”

5. “Let us be terrible, in order that the people are not so.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Danton did not achieve significant personal wealth; his highest net worth is not well-documented and is considered negligible compared to modern standards of wealth.

Children

Georges Danton had three children with his wife, Antoinette Gabrielle Charpentier: 1. François Danton (1788–1789) 2. Antoine Danton (1790–1858) 3. François Georges Danton (1792–1848)