Babeuf

Babeuf – now self-styled Gracchus Babeuf – defended the fallen Terror politicians with the stated goal of achieving equality "in fact" and not only "by proclamation".

After Napoleon Bonaparte closed the club of the Panthéon on 27 February 1796, Babeuf increased his activity.

Although more important people were involved in the conspiracy, the government depicted Babeuf as the leader.

Although the words " anarchist " and " communist " did not exist in Babeuf's lifetime, they have both been used to describe his ideas, by later scholars.

Babeuf and Darthé were guillotined the next day at Vendôme, Prairial 8 (27 May 1797), without appeal.

In November 1795, police reported that Babeuf was openly preaching "insurrection, revolt and the Constitution of 1793".

Most workers, even of extreme views, were repelled by Babeuf's bloodthirstiness; and police reported that his agitation increased support for the government.

On 10 May Babeuf, who had taken the pseudonym Tissot, was arrested.

On Prairial 7 (26 May 1797) Babeuf and Darthé were condemned to death; some of the prisoners, including Buonarroti, were deported ; the rest, including Vadier and his fellow-conventionals, were acquitted.

On the other hand, the socialist conspiracy of Babeuf was easily quelled.

Revolutionary activities Babeuf was working for a land surveyor at Roye when the Revolution began.

Societé des égaux main The attempts of the Directory to deal with the economic crisis gave Babeuf his historical importance.

The hardships endured by Babeuf during his early years contributed to the development of his political opinions.

The Jacobin Club refused to admit Babeuf and Lebois, on the ground that they were "throat-cutters" ("égorgeurs").

The universal misery gave point to Babeuf's virulent attacks of the existing order, and gained him a hearing.