Georges Jacques Danton

Danton, Georges Jacques (1759–94), French revolutionary political leader. A Parisian lawyer and member of the Cordeliers, a club that supported the French Revolution, Danton struggled to reconcile the opposing radical revolutionary factions, the Girondins and Jacobins. After the execution of Louis XVI in 1793, he emerged as the head of the Committee of Public Safety, but failed to take positive steps against the growing threat of civil war. Losing power to the militant Robespierre, Danton was unable to stop the Reign of Terror. He was accused of treason and executed by Robespierre's Jacobins.

See also: French Revolution; Marat, Jean Paul; Robespierre, Maximilien Marie Isidore.