Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Joan of Arc (1412-1431)
Devout girl who followed 'voices' to lead the French in
defeating the English at Orléans during the Hundred Years'
War. Captured and delivered to the English, she was convicted
of heresy and was burnt at the stake at age 19. Made a saint
by the Church.
René Descartes (1596-1650)
Known as the founder of modern philosophy, whose most
famous saying was “
Cogito ergo sum
” (“I think, therefore
I am”).
Louis XIV (1638-1715)
The 'Sun King' who fought wars to extend the power of
France. Reigned for 72 years and built the opulent Chateau
of Versailles. His last words were, “I am going away, but the
State will always remain.”
Voltaire (1694-1778)
Influential poet, playwright and satirist. He spoke out for
social reform and defended civil liberties and religious
freedom. His play
Candide
is still widely read.
Louis XVI (1754-1793)
An ordinary man, depressed and indecisive, he roused the
ire of a nation in debt and a people mired in poverty, leading
to the French Revolution. His Austrian wife Marie Antoinette
(1755-1793) was also hated by the people. Put on trial during
the French Revolution, both died by the guillotine.
Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette
(1757-1834)
A 'hero of two worlds', La Fayette fought on the side of the
colonists against the British in the American Revolution. A
reformer at home, he also took part in the French Revolution
a decade later.
Napoléon Bonaparte (1769-1821)
Corsican soldier and military strategist, his successes in
Search WWH ::
Custom Search