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How did later French governments change Georges Dantonâs reputation?
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Georges Danton
Georges Danton, portrait by Constance-Marie Charpentier; in the Musée Carnavalet, Paris.
The reputation of Georges Danton underwent significant shifts throughout the 19th century as different French governments reassessed his role in the Revolution:
- Early 19th Century: During the first half of the century, Danton was largely denigrated by the prevailing political climate.1
- Second Empire: His reputation began to be rehabilitated during this period.1
- Third Republic: Danton was ultimately enshrined as a national hero.1
These changing perspectives occurred despite ongoing historical controversy regarding his personal wealth and potential venality. While it is now generally accepted that Danton acted as an informer for the court and received payments from the Civil List, his commitment to the nation and the Revolutionary cause remains undisputed by historians.1