Augustin Robespierre

Augustin Robespierre was a French lawyer and a prominent politician. He lived during the French Revolution, a time of massive social and political change.

Augustin is often called "Robespierre the Younger" to distinguish him from his famous brother, Maximilien Robespierre. While they shared similar radical political views, they had very different personalities. Augustin was known for being handsome and enjoying fine food and social games. Because of this pleasant nature, people sometimes gave him the nickname "Bonbon."

Augustin’s early life was marked by significant family loss. He was born in Arras to Maximilien-Barthelemy-François de Robespierre and Jacqueline-Marguerite Carrault. His mother passed away when he was only one year old. Shortly after, his father left the family to go to Bavaria. His father died there in 1777. Augustin was raised by his grandparents. His brother Maximilien was a highly successful student at the Lycée Louis-le-Grand. After Maximilien earned his law degree, he requested a scholarship transfer from the Abbot, Cardinal de Rohan. This allowed Augustin to follow his brother’s path and study law.

As the Revolution began, Augustin held several important roles. He served as the prosecutor-syndic of Arras. He also helped found a local political club there. In 1791, he became an administrator for the département of Pas-de-Calais. Although he lost an election for the Legislative Assembly in Arras, he found success elsewhere. On September 16, 1792, the voters of Paris elected him to the National Convention. He received 392 votes out of 700 cast, ranking 19th out of 24 deputies. In Paris, he joined his brother in the Jacobin Club and the Mountain political group.

In the National Convention, Augustin was known for his intense political speeches. He frequently attacked the French royal family and the aristocracy. He was a supporter of the Republic and voted for the death penalty for King Louis XVI. During this period, he was often accompanied by his sister, Charlotte.

The siblings lived with the Duplay family for a time. However, tensions eventually led them to move to a new lodging on the Rue Saint-Florentin.

Augustin was often sent on special missions to various parts of France. In July 1793, he traveled to the Alpes-Maritimes to help suppress the Federalist revolt. He was accompanied by Jean François Ricord and his sister, Charlotte. They faced great danger during an attack by counter-revolutionaries in Manosque on August 12, 1793. Later, while in Nice, Augustin read a political pamphlet written by a man named Napoleon. Augustin was impressed by the work and used his influence to help advance Napoleon's military career. He eventually helped Napoleon secure the position of senior gunner at Toulon.

In early 1794, Augustin's political environment changed. The atmosphere within the Jacobin club became fearful as revolutionaries began to distrust one another. Augustin was sent to the Army of Italy in Haute-Saône as a representant en mission. On this trip, he was accompanied by his mistress, La Saudraye. Her active role in political debates caused some members of the local Popular Society in Besançon to react with indignation. Despite these tensions, Augustin returned to Paris to serve as a secretary to the Convention.

The end of Augustin's life arrived during the events of 9 Thermidor. On July 27, 1794, the Convention voted to arrest Maximilien Robespierre and several other leaders. Augustin was present in the hall during this heated debate. He stood up and declared that he was as guilty as his brother. He stated that he shared his brother's virtues and wanted to share his fate. He requested to be charged alongside them.

Following the arrests, Augustin was held at the prison of La Force. He and other leaders attempted to coordinate an uprising at the Hôtel de Ville. In the early morning of 10 Thermidor, forces under Paul Barras entered the building. To avoid capture, Augustin jumped from a ledge. The fall resulted in a fractured pelvis and serious head injuries. He was taken to the Conciergerie prison for trial. On July 28, 1794, Augustin was executed by the guillotine at the Place de la Révolution. He was the third person executed that evening, while his brother Maximilien was the tenth.