Gambetta, Leon N.

Leon N. (1838-1882), a French statesman. He was born in Cahors. His parentage was Jewish. He was a lawyer by profession. In 1870, when Louis Napoleon surrendered at the battle of Sedan, Gambetta represented Marseilles in the French Assembly. He was made minister of war in the provisional government that was set up. When the German troops encircled Paris he escaped in a balloon and established his headquarters at Tours. He was for a time the practical dictator of the French government. He did his best to withstand the Germans, but French affairs had been mismanaged too long. Gambetta was obliged to give up. During his remaining years he was several times a member of the French ministry. He died at Sevres from the accidental discharge of a pistol.