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Jean-Baptiste Coffinhal-DubailParticipant of the Great French Revolution, Montagnard
Date of Birth: 07.11.1762
Country:  France |
Content:
- Revolutionist and Terrorist
- Early Life and Education
- Revolution and the Cordeliers Club
- Reign of Terror
- Support for Robespierre
- Missed Opportunity and Downfall
- Capture and Execution
Revolutionist and Terrorist
François Nicolas Vincent Coffinal was a prominent figure in the French Revolution, known for his radicalism and unwavering support of Maximilien Robespierre.
Early Life and Education
Born into a family of lawyers, Coffinal received a legal education and became a doctor before the outbreak of the Revolution.
Revolution and the Cordeliers Club
In 1791, he joined the radical Cordeliers Club, becoming one of its leaders. He played a key role in the August 10, 1792, insurrection that overthrew the monarchy.
Reign of Terror
From 1793, Coffinal served as a judge and deputy chairman of the Revolutionary Tribunal in Paris. Known for his severity, he allegedly denied scientist Antoine Lavoisier's clemency request, exclaiming, "The Republic has no need for scholars!"
Support for Robespierre
A staunch supporter of Robespierre, Coffinal actively opposed the Thermidorian Reaction. During the 9th of Thermidor uprising, he led troops to liberate Robespierre from custody.
Missed Opportunity and Downfall
Coffinal's hesitation to seize the Convention during the 9th of Thermidor proved pivotal. After the uprising failed, he was declared an outlaw and forced to flee Paris.
Capture and Execution
Hunger forced Coffinal back to Paris, where he was betrayed by an acquaintance. Due to his outlaw status, he was not given a trial. The Paris Criminal Court executed him by guillotine on August 6, 1794.
