Leon Gambetta

After the fall of Napoleon III at Sedan, Gambetta proclaimed the Third Republic from the H

During the Siege of Paris, Gambetta escaped the city in a hot air balloon to organize resistance in the provinces. He raised new armies and continued the war effort against Prussia.

Gambetta served as Minister of the Interior in the Government of National Defense. He directed the war effort and attempted to continue fighting after the fall of Paris.

Gambetta founded the Republican Union party, which advocated for a secular, democratic republic. The party became a major force in the National Assembly.

Gambetta was elected President of the Chamber of Deputies, a powerful position in the Third Republic. He used it to advance republican reforms.

Gambetta became Prime Minister, forming the 'Grand Ministry' of republican unity. His government lasted only 73 days due to opposition to his proposed constitutional reforms.