Execution of Georges Danton

Background. Danton had been a famous orator of the Cordeliers Club, Minister of Justice after the fall of the monarchy on 10 August 1792, and first president of the Committee of Public Safety. After losing his committee seat following the Insurrection of 31 May – 2 June 1793, a rivalry with Maximilien Robespierre solidified. By the end of 1793 the Dantonists, led by Danton, demanded moderation and clemency while the Hébertists called for intensifying the Terror.

Accusation and the Assault on the Dantonists. On 26 February 1794 Saint-Just, president of the Convention, delivered a speech directing the assault against Danton, claiming the Dantonists wanted to slow down the Terror and the Revolution. By February 1794 Danton was exasperated by Robespierre's repeated references to virtue as the foundation of the revolutionary government. At the end of March 1794 Danton made a speech announcing the end of the Terror.

Execution. Danton was beheaded on 5 April 1794 at sunset, together with a group of fifteen people which included Hérault de Séchelles, Westermann, and Philippeaux among others. His death date of 5 April 1794 is recorded in his biographical dates (26 October 1759 – 5 April 1794).