Assassination of President Sadi Carnot, 1894 (1894)

On 24 June 1894, Italian anarchist Sante Geronimo Caserio assassinated French President Sadi Carnot in Lyon. The attack occurred during the Ère des attentats, a period of political violence. Carnot, a supporter of anti-anarchist laws, was stabbed after a banquet speech. Caserio was convicted and executed in August 1894, marking the end of this violent era.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The assassination occurred within the Ère des attentats (1892–1894), a period of intense political violence between the French State and anarchists. Carnot was a key supporter of the lois scélérates, which intensified repression against anarchists. Following the execution of Vaillant in February 1894, a pamphlet called for vengeance against Carnot, making him a primary target for anarchists.

Assassination. On 24 June 1894, after delivering a speech at the Palais du Commerce in Lyon, President Carnot was stabbed on the Rue de la République by Caserio. Caserio, a refugee, had traveled to Lyon to deter police. The attack was part of a plan Caserio likely developed with a small group of anarchists.

Aftermath. Carnot died on 25 June 1894. The assassination provoked xenophobic violence against Italians in the Rhône region and led to the adoption of the most significant lois scélérates, prohibiting anarchist propaganda. Caserio was convicted and executed in August 1894, marking the final attack of the Ère des attentats.

People involved

Sources

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