Luigi Lucheni

Luigi Lucheni (April 22, 1873, Paris - October 19, 1910) was an Italian anarchist who assassinated the Austrian Empress Elisabeth of Bavaria (commonly referred to as Sisi) in 1898. Lucheni believed in propaganda by the deed, a philosophy advocating spreading beliefs through actions. Born to a poor family, he worked odd jobs before joining the Italian Army for three and a half years. After his stay in the military, he immigrated to Switzerland. During his life in Switzerland, he developed his anarchistic ideas. However, other anarchists considered Lucheni inept at understanding the philosophy of anarchy and often referred to him as "the stupid one".

Related Topics:
April 22 - 1873 - Paris - October 19 - 1910 - Italian - Anarchist - Assassinated - Austrian - Empress - Elisabeth of Bavaria - 1898 - Propaganda by the deed - Italian Army - Immigrated - Switzerland

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At first Lucheni decided that he would kill Philippe, Duke of Orleans, but later settled for taking the life of Elisabeth. He sought to kill a member of what he felt was an elite and oppressive upper class, and he did not care which member of it he killed. Elisabeth traveled with few bodyguards, as she was adored by the populace in general. It is generally held that Elisabeth believed that the approaching Lucheni was an admirer seeking her autograph. Lucheni walked to her left and stabbed her. At his trial, he openly admitted to his crimes, and at the age of 25, was sentenced to life in prison. After his memoirs were confiscated by prison guards, he was found hanged in his cell, apparently from suicide.

Related Topics:
Philippe - Duke of Orleans - Elite - Oppressive - Upper class - Bodyguards - Autograph - Prison - Suicide

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