Sieyes
EMMANUEL JOSEPH, better known as the ABBÉ SIEYÈS, a French revolutionist; born in Fréjus, France, SIGEL May 3, 1748, and pursued his studies for the Church at Paris. He was active in furthering the progress of the Revolution, and soon acquired great influence in the National Assembly. He originated the idea of the new geographical division of France into departments, arrondissements, and communes. In 1791 he became a member for the Seine department, and in 1792 deputy for the department of Sarthe. During the Reign of Terror he withdrew into the country, but after Robespierre's downfall he returned to the convention and took an active part in affairs. In 1799, on his return from a mission to Berlin, by which he secured the neutrality of Prussia, he became a member of the directory. He subsequently suppressed the Jacobin Club, and was active in bringing about the overthrow of the directory and the substitution of the consular government by the revolution of the 18th Brumaire, the new constitution being devised by him. Sieyès soon found his speculations completely overmatched by Bonaparte's practical energy, and though a consul provisionally, he saw it desirable to terminate his political career. He retired with the title of count, and obtained grants of land and property to the value of at least $250,000.
He was exiled at the restoration, but returned on the July revolution of 1830, and died in Paris, June 20, 1836.