The Chains of Slavery

work by Marat

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June 24, 2026

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The Chains of Slavery was an early political work by Jean-Paul Marat, published in 1774. This book was an attack on despotism, aimed at British voters. In it, Marat introduced the concept of an "aristocratic" or "court" plot, which became a recurring theme in his later writings.1

Marat was a significant figure during the French Revolution. He was a politician, physician, and journalist, known for leading the radical Montagnard faction. His writings, particularly in his newspaper L'Ami du Peuple, were influential in advocating for radical measures and criticizing the monarchy and aristocracy. Marat was assassinated in 1793 by Charlotte Corday.21

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Jean-Paul Marat
Early scientific work
His early political works included The Chains of Slavery (1774), an attack on despotism addressed to British voters, in which he first expounded the notion of an “aristocratic,” or “court,” plot; it would become the principal theme of a number of his articles.
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His early political works included The Chains of Slavery (1774), an attack on despotism addressed to British voters, in which he first expounded the notion of an “aristocratic,” or “court,” plot; it would become the principal theme of a number of his articles.
Read More