Jacques-Nicolas Billaud-Varenne

Jacques-Nicolas Billaud-Varenne was a French revolutionary politician and member of the Committee of Public Safety. After the fall of Robespierre, he was imprisoned and deported to French Guiana.

Maximilien Robespierre: A French revolutionary leader who served on the Committee of Public Safety and became the central figure associated with the Reign of Terror. Billaud-Varenne helped bring Robespierre down in Thermidor, after both had served on the Committee.
Committee of Public Safety: A governing committee established by the National Convention in 1793 to direct France’s wartime government. Billaud-Varenne wielded executive authority as one of its members.
French Revolution: A period of political and social upheaval in France that began in 1789 and ended with Napoleon’s rise to power. Billaud-Varenne’s career rose and fell with the Revolution’s governments and factional struggles.
Coup of 9 Thermidor: The overthrow of Maximilien Robespierre and his allies on 9 Thermidor Year II, or 27 July 1794. Billaud-Varenne joined the coalition that helped bring down Robespierre and end his dominance.
Paul Barras: A French politician and military officer who became a leading figure in the Directory after the fall of Robespierre. Barras survived Thermidor and prospered in government while Billaud-Varenne was ultimately deported.
Jean-Marie Collot d’Herbois: A French revolutionary politician and playwright who served with Billaud-Varenne on the Committee of Public Safety. Their shared committee service and association with radical policies made them political partners.
Reign of Terror: A period of state repression and executions during the French Revolution, principally from 1793 to 1794. His committee service placed him inside the government associated with the Terror.
National Convention: The elected assembly that governed France from 1792 to 1795 and proclaimed the republic. He served as a deputy in the Convention before and during his committee leadership.
Deportation to French Guiana: The forced transportation of convicted French political prisoners to the South American colony of French Guiana. After the insurrection of Prairial, Billaud-Varenne was sentenced to deportation there.
Lazare Carnot: A French mathematician and politician who organized revolutionary armies and served on the Committee of Public Safety. Carnot’s military-administrative role and continued political career differed from Billaud-Varenne’s radical reputation and exile.

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