The Revolutionary Physician
An exploration of Pierre Joseph Duhem's pivotal role during the French Revolution, from legislative debates to the Committee of General Security.
Begin Journey 👇 Political Career 🏛️Early Life and Education
Humble Beginnings
Pierre Joseph Duhem was born in Lille, France, on July 8, 1758. His father was a weaver, indicating a modest background. He pursued higher education, eventually obtaining his doctorate in medicine.
Academic Path
Before his medical career, Duhem served as a study supervisor at the Collège d'Anchin in Douai. Following his academic pursuits, he established his medical practice in Quesnoy-sur-Deûle and also served the Douai Hospital.
Legislative Assembly
Revolutionary Zeal
Duhem was a fervent proponent of the revolutionary ideals sweeping France. He was a founding member of the influential Société des amis de la Constitution, commonly known as the Jacobins, joining on November 11, 1789. His early political engagement saw him elected as a justice of the peace in Lille in 1790.
Parliamentary Role
In September 1791, Duhem was elected as a representative for the North department to the Legislative Assembly. He aligned himself with the political left, actively participating in debates and advocating for radical change. Notably, on November 17, 1791, he delivered a strong speech targeting non-juring priests and questioned the actions of the War Minister, Narbonne-Lara.
Public Advocacy
Throughout this period, Duhem was instrumental in propagating republican ideas through public speeches and engagement within the revolutionary sections of Paris. He played a significant role in the insurrection of August 10, 1792, presenting decrees that suspended the King and called for the establishment of a National Convention. His advocacy extended to military matters, reporting on the threat to Maubeuge from foreign armies.
National Convention
Trial of Louis XVI
Continuing his service, Duhem was re-elected to the National Convention in September 1792. He joined the Montagnard faction and was dispatched on missions to the Army of the North. In a significant move on December 26, 1792, he called for the removal of the Interior Minister, Roland, citing alleged destruction of evidence related to the armoire de fer (iron chest) discovered in the Tuileries Palace. He advocated for a roll-call vote on the fate of Louis XVI, ultimately calling for a death sentence without suspension.
Committee of General Security
Following the execution of Louis XVI, Duhem joined the Committee of General Security, serving until June 1793. In this capacity, he actively opposed the Girondists and was involved in actions against perceived counter-revolutionaries. His political stance and support for certain generals, even those under scrutiny, led to him becoming a suspect himself, particularly after a speech by Robespierre concerning dismissed generals.
Committee of General Security
Political Maneuvering
As a member of the Committee of General Security, Duhem was a staunch opponent of the Girondists. His political activities included leading an armed raid on the printing establishment of Antoine Joseph Gorsas in March 1793. His missions to the North Army during 1793 saw him denounce figures like Charles Zachée Varlet, yet he also supported generals such as Custine and La Marlière, while dismissing others like General Jean-Baptiste de Lavalette. This complex stance, particularly his support for figures opposed by the Jacobins like Robespierre, led to his own suspicion and exclusion from the Jacobin club in December 1793.
Navigating the Thermidorian Reaction
Duhem remained politically active, aligning with the remaining Montagnards after the Thermidorian Reaction. He supported prominent figures like Barère, Collot d'Herbois, and Billaud-Varenne, who were accused of terrorism. Despite his efforts to rally support during the insurrection of 12 Germinal, Year III, he was arrested and imprisoned in Ham, later transferred to Sedan, though he managed to avoid a trial.
Insurrection and Directory
Post-Imprisonment
Released under a general amnesty in December 1795, Duhem rejoined the North Army as a physician. He continued his political involvement, supporting the neo-Jacobin movement during the Directory period as a member of the Panthéon Club. His political career saw fluctuations, being dismissed in 1797 but reinstated following the coup of 18 Fructidor. In 1798, he faced accusations of defending the "martyrs of the revolt of 1 Prairial Year III."
Late Career and Demise
Military Service and Passing
Duhem was transferred to the Italy Army and subsequently the West Army. His final posting was to the military hospital in Mainz, within the Mont-Tonnerre French department, in 1802. Pierre Joseph Duhem died in Mainz on March 24, 1807, at the age of 48.
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