Louis-Antoine-Leon de Saint-Just was a prominent figure of the French Revolution. A leader of the radical Jacobins, he led the push for the execution of King Louis XVI and was a close ally of Maximilien Robespierre. He is most often associated with the Reign of Terror and is nicknamed the "Archangel of Terror" for his support of it.

What were the Ventôse Decrees?

During the French Revolution, the Ventôse Decrees were a series of proposed reforms that would confiscate land from aristocrats and counter-revolutionaries and redistribute it amongst the needy. Penned by Louis-Antoine de Saint-Just, the decrees never went into effect but would have been amongst the most radical reforms of the Revolution.

What did Saint-Just do?

During the French Revolution, Saint-Just called for the immediate death of King Louis XVI, helped write the democratic Constitution of 1793, wrote the radical Ventôse Decrees, reformed the French armies in Alsace and Belgium, and helped intensify the Reign of Terror by working toward the deaths of defeated revolutionary leaders.

Why was Saint-Just executed?

Saint-Just was executed because he remained loyal to Robespierre, even as Robespierre's power started to crumble. He was guillotined alongside 20 other Robespierrists on 28 July 1794 (10 Thermidor Year II).

Louis-Antoine de Saint-Just Timeline

Invest in History Education

By supporting our charity World History Foundation, you're investing in the future of history education. Your donation helps us empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to understand the world around them. Help us start the new year ready to publish more reliable historical information, free for everyone.

$3081 / $10000

Definition

Louis-Antoine de Saint-Just (1767-1794) was a prominent figure of the French Revolution (1789-1799). After his election to the National Convention in September 1792, he led the push for the execution of King Louis XVI of France (r. 1774-1792) and was instrumental in the drafting of radical Jacobin legislation like the Ventôse Decrees and the Constitution of 1793.

More about: Louis-Antoine de Saint-Just

Timeline

25 Aug 1767
Louis-Antoine-Leon de Saint-Just, future Jacobin leader in the French Revolution, is born in central France.
Oct 1786 - Apr 1787
Saint-Just spends six months in a reformatory after running away to Paris with his mother's silver.
14 Jul 1790
Saint-Just attends the Festival of the Federation as a lieutenant-colonel in the National Guard.
Sep 1792
Shortly after turning 25, Saint-Just is elected to the National Convention. He is the youngest member.
13 Nov 1792
Saint-Just gives his maiden speech, arguing for the immediate execution of King Louis XVI of France.
30 May 1793
Saint-Just is added to the Committee of Public Safety.
Oct 1793 - Dec 1793
Saint-Just and Le Bas go to Alsace to discipline the French Army of the Rhine.
6 Oct 1793
Saint-Just and his colleagues finish work on the Constitution of 1793, the most democratic constitution of its day, after only 8 days.
19 Feb 1794 - 6 Mar 1794
Saint-Just serves as president of the National Convention, drafts the radical Ventôse Decrees.
5 Apr 1794
Saint-Just plays a major role in the downfall and execution of Georges Danton; his zealous support for the Reign of Terror earns him the nickname "Archangel of Terror".
24 Jun 1794
The French are victorious at the Battle of Fleurus; their armies remain ascendent for the rest of the War of the First Coalition.
27 Jul 1794
Robespierre and his followers are denounced by the National Convention and declared to be outlaws.
28 Jul 1794
Execution of Robespierre, Saint-Just, and Couthon; end to the Terror, beginning of the Thermidorian Reaction.

Timeline Search

Search through the entire ancient history timeline. Specify between which dates you want to search, and what keywords you are looking for.