Gambetta, Leon Michel (1838-1882), was one of the founders of the Third Republic of France, and served briefly as his country’s premier. Gambetta was a hero of the workers, peasants, and lower middle class. He believed that they should control the nation’s government.
Gambetta helped form the Third Republic during the Franco-Prussian War. Napoleon III was deposed, and the French prepared to defend Paris against Prussia. Gambetta escaped from Paris in a balloon and went to Tours to organize fighting forces. His efforts failed, however, and Paris surrendered. After the war, Gambetta supported Adolphe Thiers, the first president of the republic. Gambetta became premier in 1881. But his government was unpopular and lasted less than three months. He was born in Cahors.
