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Edmond-Charles Genêt
French diplomat / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Edmond-Charles Genêt (January 8, 1763 – July 14, 1834), also known as Citizen Genêt, was the French envoy to the United States appointed by the Girondins during the French Revolution. His actions on arriving in the United States led to a major political and international incident, which was termed the Citizen Genêt affair. Because of his actions, President George Washington asked the French government to recall him. The Montagnards, having risen to power at the same time, replaced Genêt and issued a warrant for his arrest. Fearing for his life, Genêt asked for asylum in America, which was granted by Washington. Genêt stayed in the United States until his death. Historian Carol Berkin argues that the Genêt affair bolstered popular respect for the president and strengthened his role in dealing with foreign affairs.[1]
Edmond-Charles Genêt | |
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![]() Portrait by Ezra Ames, between 1809 and 1810 | |
Ambassador of France to the United States | |
In office 1793–1794 | |
Preceded by | Jean Baptiste Ternant |
Succeeded by | Jean Antoine Joseph Fauchet |
Personal details | |
Born | Edmond Charles Genêt (1763-01-08)January 8, 1763 Versailles, France |
Died | July 14, 1834(1834-07-14) (aged 71) East Greenbush, New York, U.S. |
Spouses | Cornelia Tappen Clinton
(m. 1794; died 1810)Martha Brandon Osgood
(m. 1814) |
Relations | Jeanne-Louise-Henriette Campan (sister) |
Parent | Edmond Jacques Genêt |
Signature | ![]() |