Revolutionary. He was a leading figure of the beginning of the French Revolution. He was a lawyer and a politician. He was a member of the National Convention when he voted for the execution of King Louis XVI in January of 1793. The following April, the National Convention formed the Committee of Public Safety and elected Danton as its first president. During this time, the Committee oversaw France's "Reign of Terror." Danton thought violence was vital to the success of the revolution, but after so much blood-shed during this time, he began to moderate his views. He was accused of financial improprieties in his dealings with the French East India Company, an accusation that would follow him to the guillotine. After beginning to show signs of moderation, he began to make enemies on the Committee of Public Safety, notably that of Maximilien Robespierre. On March 30, 1794, he was arrested and put on trial. After being found guilty of corruption, he was beheaded with 14 others.
Revolutionary. He was a leading figure of the beginning of the French Revolution. He was a lawyer and a politician. He was a member of the National Convention when he voted for the execution of King Louis XVI in January of 1793. The following April, the National Convention formed the Committee of Public Safety and elected Danton as its first president. During this time, the Committee oversaw France's "Reign of Terror." Danton thought violence was vital to the success of the revolution, but after so much blood-shed during this time, he began to moderate his views. He was accused of financial improprieties in his dealings with the French East India Company, an accusation that would follow him to the guillotine. After beginning to show signs of moderation, he began to make enemies on the Committee of Public Safety, notably that of Maximilien Robespierre. On March 30, 1794, he was arrested and put on trial. After being found guilty of corruption, he was beheaded with 14 others.
Bio by: Daniel Kelley
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