| Abstrakt: |
Armand-Marc comte de Montmorin (1746-1792) was the last foreign minister (1787-1789) of the old regime and the first of the constitutional monarchy (1789-1791). Descended from a prominent Auvergnat aristocratic family, he held a very close relationship with the dauphin who became king in 1774. Montmorin's diplomatic career began with royal support, first as minister to Treves (1775-1778), then as ambassador to Madrid (1778-1784). In 1787, Louis XVI named him to head the foreign ministry as successor to the comte de Vergennes. The outbreak of revolution led to his involvement in domestic affairs. He dedicated his life after 1789 to saving the Crown, urging the royal couple to adopt the newly emerging constitution. Montmorin resigned his office in October 1791; thereafter, he was engaged in various conspiracies. In August 1792, following the overthrow of the monarchy, the Legislative Assembly arrested, tried and convicted him of treason. Held in l'Abbaye prison, he was one of those massacred on September 2. His late career provides a unique window into the chaos and confusion of the early Revolution [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
