Jean-Sylvain Bailly

Jean-Sylvain Bailly (15 September 1736 – 12 November 1793) was an esteemed French astronomer, scientist, and politician who played a notable role during the early stages of the French Revolution. Born in Paris, Bailly gained recognition for his contributions to astronomy, authoring several important works on the subject. However, his legacy is more prominently tied to his political career during the revolutionary period.

Bailly was elected as a representative of the Third Estate for the city of Paris in the Estates-General of 1789. His prominence grew when he became the President of the National Assembly, a body formed by representatives of the Third Estate following the political discontent that marked the period. His election as President took place on 17 June 1789, a significant position during the early convulsions of the French Revolution.

One of Bailly's most notable contributions to the Revolution was his role in the Tennis Court Oath (Le Serment du Jeu de Paume). On 20 June 1789, after being locked out of their usual meeting hall, members of the Third Estate gathered in a nearby tennis court. There, under Bailly's presidency, they swore an oath not to disband until a new constitution was established. This event is often regarded as a key moment that symbolized the unity and resolve among revolutionaries.

Following the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, Bailly was appointed as the first Mayor of Paris by the National Assembly. His tenure as mayor (lasting until 1791) was marked by various efforts to stabilize the city amidst the social upheaval. However, his moderate views and attempts to balance the demands of the populace with those of the monarchy drew criticism from more radical factions.

Bailly's position became increasingly precarious as the Revolution progressed. The Champ de Mars Massacre on 17 July 1791, where the National Guard fired on a crowd of republican protesters, further tarnished his reputation. As mayor, Bailly was held responsible for the use of violence to disperse the protest. This incident contributed to his political downfall, and he eventually resigned from his mayoral post.

After resigning, Bailly retired from public life but was arrested during the Reign of Terror (la Terreur) in 1793. Accused of being an enemy of the people and a counter-revolutionary, he was brought before the Revolutionary Tribunal. Convicted of conspiring against the Revolution, Bailly was sentenced to death. He was guillotined on 12 November 1793 at the Champ de Mars, the same site associated with the massacre that contributed to his earlier disgrace.

Despite his tragic end, Bailly's contributions to both science and the early Revolutionary period remain noteworthy. His transition from a celebrated astronomer to a political figure encapsulates the complexities and turmoil of the French Revolution.

• Jean-Sylvain Bailly, a prominent astronomer, was the first Mayor of Paris after the Revolution, serving from 1789 to 1791; he played a crucial role in leading the city during its tumultuous initial years.
• Bailly was notably present at the Tennis Court Oath on 20 June 1789, representing the Third Estate; this event was pivotal in asserting the power of the common people against the monarchy.
• An advocate for a constitutional monarchy, Bailly was initially celebrated for his moderate views, but his popularity waned as the Revolution radicalized, leading to his eventual downfall.
• Despite his scientific background, Bailly was known to have dabbled in political theater, famously delivering speeches that inspired revolutionary fervor among citizens.
• He was also deeply involved in the establishment of the National Constituent Assembly, working to create a new government that reflected Enlightenment ideals; sadly, his efforts were overshadowed by escalating violence during the Revolution.