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Jacques Marie Eugene Godefroy CavaignacFrench politician; son of General Eugene Cavaignac.
Date of Birth: 21.05.1853
Country:  France |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Minister of War
- The Dreyfus Affair
- The Discovery of the Forgery
- Post-Dreyfus Affairs
- Georges Eugène Benjamin Louis Cavignac died on 25 October 1916.
Early Life and Career
Georges Eugène Benjamin Louis Cavignac was a prominent French politician born on 21 May 1853. He was the son of Eugène Cavignac, a renowned general.
In 1893, Cavignac proposed a bill for an income tax, which he vigorously defended in the Assembly. However, his efforts were unsuccessful.
Minister of War
Cavignac served as Minister of War in the radical Bourgeois cabinet from 1895 to 1896. He again held this portfolio under the Brisson cabinet in June 1898.
The Dreyfus Affair
Cavignac played a significant role in the Dreyfus Affair, a highly controversial case of anti-Semitism and miscarriage of justice. He staunchly opposed Dreyfus, the accused Jewish officer, and defended the army's actions.
On 7 July 1898, Cavignac delivered a powerful speech in the Chamber of Deputies, presenting a document as evidence of Dreyfus' guilt. The speech had a dramatic impact, leading to its widespread distribution.
The Discovery of the Forgery
However, Cavignac later realized that the document he relied on was a forgery created by Colonel Henri. He interrogated Henri and ordered his arrest. Following this, Cavignac resigned as Minister of War.
Despite the revelation of the forgery, Cavignac maintained his belief in Dreyfus' guilt. This stance alienated him from his former Radical allies and aligned him with the nationalist cause.
Post-Dreyfus Affairs
Cavignac became a staunch opponent of the Radical governments led by Waldeck-Rousseau and Combes. He led relentless campaigns against them, but his influence had diminished significantly.
From 1892, Cavignac was considered a potential candidate for the presidency. However, after the Dreyfus Affair, this prospect became negligible.
