# Alexandre de Beauharnais

> French general; president of the National Constituent Assembly in 1791 (1760–1794)

**Wikidata**: [Q456122](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q456122)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandre_de_Beauharnais)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alexandre-de-beauharnais

## Summary
Alexandre de Beauharnais was a French general and political figure who served as president of the National Constituent Assembly in 1791. Born in 1760, he played a significant role in the French Revolution before his execution in 1794. His leadership during the Revolutionary Wars and his political influence marked his legacy.

## Biography
- **Born**: May 28, 1760
- **Nationality**: French
- **Education**: Heidelberg University
- **Known for**: Leadership in the French Revolution and presidency of the National Constituent Assembly
- **Employer(s)**: French military, National Constituent Assembly
- **Field(s)**: Military, politics

## Contributions
Alexandre de Beauharnais led French forces during the French Revolutionary Wars, notably in the War of the First Coalition. As president of the National Constituent Assembly in 1791, he contributed to the constitutional reforms of the early Revolution. His military and political roles were central to the revolutionary government's efforts against European monarchies.

## FAQs
**What were Alexandre de Beauharnais' key roles during the French Revolution?**  
He served as a general in the French military and as president of the National Constituent Assembly in 1791, shaping revolutionary policies and leading troops against foreign coalitions.

**Where was Alexandre de Beauharnais educated?**  
He studied at Heidelberg University in Germany.

**How did Alexandre de Beauharnais' career end?**  
He was executed in 1794 during the Reign of Terror, a period of extreme political repression.

## Why They Matter
Alexandre de Beauharnais' dual role as a military leader and political figure made him a pivotal figure in the French Revolution. His command during the Revolutionary Wars helped secure early republican victories, while his political leadership influenced the constitutional framework of the new regime. His execution underscored the volatility of the Revolution, leaving a legacy of both military valor and political fragility.

## Notable For
- **Military Leadership**: Commanded French forces in the War of the First Coalition.
- **Political Role**: President of the National Constituent Assembly (1791).
- **Revolutionary Figure**: Prominent in both military and legislative efforts of the French Revolution.
- **Execution**: Died during the Reign of Terror in 1794.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Alexandre de Beauharnais was born on May 28, 1760, into a noble family. He pursued higher education at Heidelberg University in Germany, reflecting the cosmopolitan educational paths common among the French nobility of the time.

### Military Career
Beauharnais joined the French military, rising to the rank of general. He played a critical role in the French Revolutionary Wars, particularly in the War of the First Coalition (1792–1797), where he led troops against European monarchies opposing the French Republic.

### Political Engagement
In 1791, Beauharnais was elected president of the National Constituent Assembly, a body tasked with drafting a new constitution for France. This position placed him at the forefront of revolutionary reforms, contributing to the transition from absolute monarchy to a constitutional framework.

### Execution and Legacy
Despite his contributions, Beauharnais fell victim to the Reign of Terror. Accused of counter-revolutionary activities, he was executed on July 23, 1794. His death symbolized the internal strife of the Revolution, yet his earlier leadership left a lasting impact on both military and political fronts.

### Connections and Affiliations
Beauharnais' affiliation with Heidelberg University highlighted his intellectual background, while his military and political roles linked him to key events of the Revolution. His noble origins and revolutionary involvement also connected him to the broader societal transformations of late 18th-century France.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Source
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. CiNii Research
7. [Source](https://francearchives.fr/fr/file/ad46ac22be9df6a4d1dae40326de46d8a5cbd19d/FRSHD_PUB_00000355.pdf)
8. Sycomore
9. SNAC
10. Find a Grave
11. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
12. The Peerage
13. GeneaStar
14. Genealogics
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. CERL Thesaurus
17. Sejm-Wielki.pl