Edmond-Charles Genêt

Edmond-Charles Genêt (January 8, 1763 - July 14, 1834), also known as Citizen Genêt, was a French ambassador to the United States during the French Revolution.

Related Topics:
January 8 - 1763 - July 14 - 1834 - French - United States - French Revolution

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He was born in Versailles in 1763. He was the only child of a French civil servant who analyzed British naval strength during the Seven Years War and monitored the progress of American independence. Genêt was a prodigy: by the age of twelve he could read English, Italian, Latin and Swedish.

Related Topics:
Versailles - British - Seven Years War - American independence

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At eighteen, Genêt was appointed court translator, and in 1788 he was appointed to work in the French embassy in St. Petersburg.

Related Topics:
1788 - St. Petersburg

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Over time, Genêt became disenchanted with the ancien regime, learning to despise not just French monarchs, but all monarchs, including Catherine the Great. In 1792 Catherine declared Genêt persona non grata, calling his presence "not only superfluous but even intolerable." In 1792, the Girondists, who had gained power in Paris, declared Genêt ambassador to the United States.

Related Topics:
Ancien regime - Monarchs - Catherine the Great - 1792 - Persona non grata - Girondist

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