Georges Jacques Danton was born on 26 October 1759 in Arcis-sur-Aube, France, to Jacques Danton and Madeleine Camus. He suffered a bull attack as a baby and later contracted smallpox, which left scars on his face. Danton attended school in Sézanne and later a seminary in Troyes before moving to a boarding school. He became a lawyer in Paris, where he married Antoinette Gabrielle Charpentier in 1787. The couple had three sons, two of whom died in infancy.As the French Revolution began in 1789, Danton emerged as a prominent orator, gaining the nickname 'The Thunderer.' He played a significant role in the storming of the Bastille and became president of the Cordeliers Club. Danton was appointed Minister of Justice after the monarchy's fall on 10 August 1792. He was involved in the September Massacres, which resulted in the deaths of many prisoners, and he later supported the establishment of a Revolutionary Tribunal and became the first president of the Committee of Public Safety.In June 1793, Danton's political stance shifted, leading to a rivalry with Maximilien Robespierre. He briefly withdrew from politics but returned to advocate for moderation and an end to the Terror. His criticisms of the Committee of Public Safety intensified, culminating in a speech on 25 December 1793, where he called for a cessation of the Terror. By March 1794, Danton faced accusations of royalist sympathies and corruption, which led to his arrest.Danton was tried from 3 to 5 April 1794, alongside several associates. The trial was marked by irregularities, and Danton was denied the opportunity to present a full defense. He was accused of conspiracy and corruption, particularly regarding the French East India Company. On 5 April 1794, Danton was executed by guillotine, along with several others. His last words reportedly urged the crowd to look at his head, claiming it was worth seeing.Danton's legacy remains complex, with historians debating his role in the Revolution. Some view him as a key figure in the establishment of the First Republic, while others criticize his methods and motivations. His remains were later transferred to the Catacombs of Paris, and his influence continues to be a subject of historical analysis.

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Georges Danton