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Jacques Antoine Marie de CazalesFrench politician
Date of Birth: 01.02.1758
Country:  France |
Content:
- Jacques Antoine Marie de Cazalès
- Early Life and Political Career
- Support for the Ancien Regime
- Duel with Barnave
- Resistance to the Monarchy's Fall
- Later Life
Jacques Antoine Marie de Cazalès
Jacques Antoine Marie de Cazalès was a French politician who played a significant role during the French Revolution.
Early Life and Political Career
Born into a noble family, Cazalès began his career as a cavalry captain. In 1789, he was elected to the Estates General as a representative of the nobles of Rivière-Verdun. From the outset, he firmly advocated for the separation of the three estates within the assembly.
Support for the Ancien Regime
In the National Constituent Assembly, Cazalès emerged as one of the most eloquent and passionate defenders of the traditional class system. While he accepted the need for some reforms, he vehemently opposed the sweeping changes proposed by revolutionary leaders.
Duel with Barnave
In 1791, Cazalès engaged in a famous duel with Antoine Barnave, a prominent Jacobin leader. The duel ended without serious injury, but it highlighted the escalating tensions between supporters of the monarchy and revolutionaries.
Resistance to the Monarchy's Fall
After King Louis XVI's failed attempted flight, Cazalès resigned from the National Constituent Assembly and left for Coblenz, where he joined the émigré community. He returned to Paris briefly but fled again in 1792, participating in the Expedition against Toulon in 1793.
Later Life
During the Consulate period, Cazalès made peace with the new government and returned to France. He lived out his later years in relative obscurity, having witnessed the dramatic transformation of his country and the end of the monarchy he had defended so staunchly.
