Honoré-Gabriel Riqueti, comte de Mirabeau

Q: Which estate did Mirabeau represent?

Since Mirabeau was barred from election as a deputy of his own Second Estate, as he personally owned no land, he instead ran as a deputy for the Third Estate. Mirabeau would become recognized as a leader of the Third Estate's plight.

Q: Was Mirabeau a revolutionary or a monarchist?

Mirabeau was an advocate for a constitutional monarchy and urged the creation of a system of government like the one used by Great Britain. He believed the Revolution had achieved all its goals in 1789 and saw himself as one of the king's ministers, charged with creating a constitutional monarchy compatible with the new revolutionary reforms.

Harrison W. Mark

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Definition

Honoré-Gabriel Riqueti, comte de Mirabeau (l. 1749-1791) was a French orator and nobleman who rose to prominence as a leader during the early stages of the French Revolution (1789-1799). From the disgraced and scandalized son of a distinguished marquis, Mirabeau's oratory skills would carry him to a new reputation as the voice of the people and a national hero.

More about: Honoré-Gabriel Riqueti, comte de Mirabeau

Timeline

9 Mar 1749
Future French revolutionary leader Honoré-Gabriel Riqueti, comte de Mirabeau, is born.
1777 - 1782
Mirabeau is imprisoned in the castle of Vincennes after the seduction and abduction of "Sophie" de Monnier; while imprisoned, he begins to write political treatises.
23 Jun 1789
During the Estates-General, Mirabeau makes his famous retort against a representative of the king, helping to solidify him as a revolutionary leader.
Jun 1790
Mirabeau secretly meets with the captive Queen Marie Antoinette of France, begins to work in the king's interest after accepting his money.
2 Apr 1791
Comte de Mirabeau, revolutionary leader and advocate for a French constitutional monarchy, dies aged 42.