Danton, George Jacques

George Jacques (1759-1794), a leader of the French Revolution. He is described as a man of gigantic stature, with a voice that fairly shook the dome of the Assembly with its roar. He speedily became one of the small circle that brought Louis XVI, Queen Marie Antoinette, and scores of royalists to the guillotine. When the Prussians invaded France, Danton's courage saved the day. He and Robesierre fell out and distrusted each other. Each sought the other's downfall. Danton was arrested on a charge of conniving to bring back the royal family. He went stoutly to the fate to which he had condemned others. He gloried to the last in his part in the revolution. He gave expression to two regrets; one that he had been outwitted by Robespierre, the other that he should never see his wife again. See Robespierre; French Revolution