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Léon Gambetta

Comprehensive Aktualizováno: 2025-11-20

Research Status: Comprehensive Last Updated: 2025-11-20 Diary Coverage: Book 13 (1879) - Major political fascination

Overview

Léon Gambetta (1838-1882) was one of the most important French political figures of the early Third Republic. His prominence in Marie's diary during 1879 marks a significant shift in her political views from Bonapartism toward Republicanism.

Historical Background

Early Life and Career

  • Born: April 2, 1838, in Cahors, southern France
  • Background: Son of an Italian grocer; self-made man through law and politics
  • Legal career: Became a prominent Republican lawyer in the 1860s
  • Rise to fame: Defense of Republican causes under the Second Empire

Role in Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871)

Gambetta became a national hero during France's darkest hour:
  • Escape from Paris: Dramatic balloon flight from besieged Paris (October 7, 1870)
  • Government of National Defense: Minister of Interior, then Minister of War
  • Organizing resistance: Rallied provincial France to continue fighting
  • Defeat: Despite heroic efforts, France lost the war
  • Legend: His determination and oratory made him a symbol of patriotic resistance

Political Position (1870s)

  • Moderate Republican: Center-left, opposed to both monarchists and radicals
  • Opportunist faction: Pragmatic, gradual reforms rather than revolution
  • Anti-clerical: Supported secular education and reduced Church influence
  • National reconciliation: Worked to heal wounds from Commune and war
  • Parliamentary leadership: Dominant figure in Chamber of Deputies by late 1870s

Political Power (1879)

The year 1879 was pivotal for Gambetta:
  • Republican victory: Republicans gained control of Senate (January 1879)
  • President MacMahon resigned: Replaced by Republican Jules Grévy
  • Triumph of the Republic: Monarchist restoration became impossible
  • Gambetta's influence: De facto leader of Republican majority, though not yet Premier
  • Peak of prestige: Most powerful and popular political figure in France

Physical Appearance and Style

  • Imposing presence: Large build, commanding presence
  • Eye injury: Lost use of right eye in youth (duel or accident)
  • Oratory: Legendary speaker, could sway crowds and Chamber
  • Charisma: Personal magnetism that attracted admirers and devoted followers
  • Energy: Known for tireless work and passionate engagement

Marie's Fascination with Gambetta

Political Evolution

Gambetta catalyzes Marie's shift from Bonapartism:
  • October 1879: Marie writes about her political evolution
  • Attraction to power: Gambetta represents the future, Bonapartists the past
  • Intellectual appeal: His speeches and ideas impress her
  • Social positioning: Aligning with Republicans becomes socially strategic

Personal Attraction

Marie's interest appears both political and personal:
  • Charisma: She's drawn to powerful, eloquent men
  • Ambition: Gambetta represents real power, not nostalgic lost causes
  • Modernity: He embodies the new France rising from defeat

Context of October 1879

By October 1879, Gambetta was at his absolute zenith:
  • Republicans firmly in control
  • His "opportunist" strategy vindicated
  • Talk of him becoming Premier (which happened November 1881)
  • Symbol of France's recovery and modernization

Marie's turn toward Gambetta reflects her instinct for aligning with ascending rather than declining forces.

Subsequent History

Brief Premiership (1881-1882)

  • November 14, 1881 - January 30, 1882: Only 73 days as Premier
  • Grand Ministère: Attempt at major reforms failed
  • Parliamentary opposition: Even his allies found him too domineering
  • Resignation: After defeat on electoral reform

Death

  • December 31, 1882: Died from gunshot wound (accidental, inflicted by his mistress)
  • National mourning: Massive public funeral
  • Legacy: Became a Republican martyr and symbol

Significance for Marie

Gambetta represents:

  • Marie's pragmatism: Ability to shift political allegiances based on reality
  • Attraction to power: Pattern of fascination with dominant male figures
  • Political awareness: Understanding of which way history is moving
  • Social strategy: Positioning herself with winners, not losers

His rise parallels Marie's own ambitions to position herself at the center of French cultural and social life.

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