Fean-Paul Marat (1743-1793)

Born in Boudry in Neuchâtel, Jean-Paul Marat was the second of nine children born to an Italian father and French Huguenot mother., which he used to promote hardline Jacobin ideals. Although he was incredibly popular with working class Parisians, his outspoken views often got him into trouble. One prolonged period spent hiding in the Parisian sewers resulted in a skin condition, which necessitated taking long medicinal baths. In September 1792, he became a member of the National Convention and took a more active political role, which brought him into conflict with the Girondins, who eventually managed to have him imprisoned. He was acquitted and set free, however, and worked to bring about the downfall of the Girondins, thus sealing his fate.