Georges Couthon

Georges Couthon was a notable French lawyer and politician during the French Revolution, particularly known for his close association with Maximilien Robespierre and Louis Antoine de Saint-Just. Born on 22 December 1755 in Orcet (a commune in the Puy-de-Dôme department), Couthon pursued a career in law before becoming an active participant in revolutionary politics. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly and later to the National Convention (the assembly that governed France during the critical period of the Revolution).

Couthon played a significant role in the Committee of Public Safety, the revolutionary body responsible for the reign of Terror (a period characterized by political purges and mass executions). Despite suffering from a debilitating illness that eventually left him paralyzed (he had to be carried on a litter or wheelchair), Couthon remained an influential figure in the Committee. His contributions included drafting and enforcing legislation intended to suppress counter-revolutionary activities and ensuring the continuation of the revolutionary government.

One of Couthon's most infamous actions was his involvement in the Law of 22 Prairial (enacted on 10 June 1794), which intensified the Reign of Terror by broadening the scope of accusations and reducing the rights of the accused. The law facilitated swift trials and executions, casting aside the need for thorough investigations. It is estimated that these measures led to a significant increase in the number of executions during that period, leaving a lasting impact on the legacy of the Revolution.

Couthon's alliance with Robespierre and Saint-Just (collectively known as the "triumvirate" within the Committee of Public Safety) made him a key player in the radical phase of the Revolution. However, their dominance did not last; the opposition against them grew, culminating in the events of 9 Thermidor (27 July 1794). On that day, a coalition of moderates and former allies orchestrated the arrest and execution of Robespierre, Saint-Just, and Couthon. Georges Couthon was guillotined on 10 Thermidor Year II (28 July 1794) in Paris, marking the end of his significant yet controversial role in the French Revolution.

• Georges Couthon was born on 22 September 1755 in the small town of Saint-Étienne, France, and became a prominent member of the Jacobin Club during the Revolution.
• Despite being physically disabled (he lost the use of his legs during a previous illness), Couthon emerged as one of the leading figures in the Revolutionary government and an ardent supporter of the Reign of Terror.
• Couthon was appointed to the Committee of Public Safety in 1793, where he worked closely with Maximilien Robespierre, advocating for radical measures to preserve the revolutionary ideals.
• In 1794, Couthon played a key role in the implementation of the Law of 22 Prairial, which expedited the execution process for suspected counter-revolutionaries, leading to an increase in guillotine victims.
• He was a staunch advocate for social reforms, including education and welfare, and was instrumental in advocating for laws to protect the impoverished class during the Revolution.
• Couthon’s fervent beliefs ultimately led to his downfall; he was arrested and executed on 30 July 1794 (12 Thermidor Year II) during the Thermidorian Reaction, which sought to curtail the excesses of the Reign of Terror.