DANTON, GEORGES

born Oct. 26, 1759, Arcis-sur-Aube, France died April 5, 1794, Paris in full Georges-jacques Danton French Revolutionary leader and orator, often credited as the chief force in the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the First French Republic (Sept. 21, 1792). He later became the first president of the Committee of Public Safety, but his increasing moderation and eventual opposition to the Reign of Terror led to his own death at the guillotine. Additional reading Biographies examining his life and influence on the events of the French Revolution include Louis Madelin, Danton (1921); the excellent work by Hermann Wendel, Danton (1935); and Norman Hampson, Danton (1978, reprinted 1988).