History, Web expo
article | Reading time10 min
Discover a selection of documents offering an in-depth look at the lives of Gambetta and Clemenceau, as well as their commitment to and vision of the Republic.
Dreaming of the Republic
From its ideal to its creation
Three years separate Léon Gambetta and Georges Clemenceau. When the two men met, they shared the same republican convictions.
Although their very different temperaments set them apart – Gambetta the moderate, Clemenceau the impatient one – they never ceased to strive and work for the Republic.
Léon Gambetta died prematurely at the age of 44. Georges Clemenceau continued his fight to defend the values he held dear until the end of his life at the age of 88.
Sylvie Brodziak and Jérôme Grévy have worked in tandem on the biographies of the two men and their relationship with the republican ideal. Discover below the texts they have written especially for the Maison des Jardies in Sèvres and the house and gardens of Georges Clemenceau in Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard.
© Musée Clemenceau Paris et Maison des Jardies
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Textes de l'exposition « Gambetta – Clemenceau : rêver la République, de son idéal à son invention »
PDF (4.82 MB)
The Republic as a Legacy
Léon Gambetta and Georges Clemenceau were both imbued with republican values through their social circles and the upbringing they received. Gambetta stood out by showing a talent for public speaking from a very young age.
Listen to the anecdote about Gambetta as a child, as recounted by one of his friends, Juliette Adam, then discover his passion for public speaking in a letter written to his father, Joseph.
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Juliette Adam, Mes angoisses et nos luttes, 1907
Audio (2.77 MB)
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Lettre de Léon Gambetta à son père Joseph Gambetta, 27 février 1860
Audio (4.05 MB)
Entry into politics
The Baudin trial brought Gambetta’s eloquence to the fore and introduced him to the political world, alongside young republicans such as Clemenceau.
Immerse yourself in the intensity of a memorable legal argument with an extract from Gambetta’s speech, as well as through the words of the journalist Jules Claretie.
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Extrait de la plaidoirie de Léon Gambetta lors du procès Baudin, par Joseph Reinach dans Discours et dépêches de M. Gambetta, 1881-1885
Audio (4.69 MB)
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Souvenirs du procès Baudin, par Jules Claretie dans Portraits contemporains, 1875
Audio (4.6 MB)
The Break, the Crises
In 1870, Gambetta proclaimed the Third Republic and then left besieged Paris by hot-air balloon, heading for Tours to recruit new soldiers.
To find out more about this perilous journey, read our article on the subject: here
Relive this historic departure with an account by Victor Hugo.
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Le ballon de Gambetta par Victor Hugo dans Choses vues, 1870
Audio (4.47 MB)
The newspaper as a platform
With *La République française* for Gambetta and *La Justice* for Clemenceau, the two politicians forged their own platforms for expression. Journalism played a part in their rise to power.
Discover a letter to his friend Antonin Proust in which Gambetta discusses the creation of a republican newspaper, then explore how he assembled a team of thinkers and political figures, including Charles Louis de Saulces de Freycinet, to support the country’s future.
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Lettre de Gambetta à Antonin Proust, 18 mars 1871
Audio (338.86 kB)
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Fondation du journal La République, Charles Louis de Saulces de Freycinet dans Souvenirs, 1848-1878
Audio (1.01 MB)
In the spotlight: the political scene, rallies and political debates
Gambetta and Clemenceau drifted apart, holding differing views on certain issues. This led to a clash between the radicals and the opportunists. Gambetta’s words continued to be both feared and admired.
Be inspired by Gambetta’s impassioned call to reshape France after the Franco-Prussian War. Then read a letter he wrote to his friend Henri Brisson, in which he sets out his ideas for consolidating the Republic.
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Extrait de discours de Gambetta prononcé à Bordeaux, 26 juin 1871
Audio (4.79 MB)
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Lettre de Gambetta à Henri Brisson, 20 octobre 1875
Audio (4.02 MB)
Private Life
Clemenceau and Gambetta were surrounded by a close circle of friends and loved ones. Their immediate circle provided loyal support for their respective careers.
Gain an insight into the private life of this great man by discovering the correspondence he exchanged with his close friend Eugène Spuller and his beloved partner Léonie Léon.
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Lettre d’Eugène Spuller à Gambetta, 13 juin 1871
Audio (3.5 MB)
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Lettre de Léonie Léon à Gambetta, avril 1872
Audio (3.91 MB)
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Lettre de Léonie Léon à Gambetta, sans date, 1872
Audio (4.73 MB)
Cultural and social life
Men in government are expected to frequent salons and cultivate a taste for art. Gambetta was introduced to the cultural and social customs of Parisian life.
Discover the energetic, charming yet unpredictable Gambetta, as portrayed by Alphonse Daudet. You can also watch our video on caricatures, which offer insight into how Gambetta was perceived in his day.
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Portrait de Gambetta par Alphonse Daudet, cité par Pierre-Barthélémy Gheusi dans La Vie et la Mort singulière de Gambetta, 1932
Audio (4.08 MB)
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Gambetta vu par les caricaturistes
2:19
© Maison des Jardies - CMN
Duration: 2:19
Video (0 B)
Legacy and posterity
Following his death in 1882, Gambetta’s supporters commemorated the orator and helped to keep his memory alive.
To find out more about the ‘Gambettist’ movement, see our dedicated article: here
Listen to the various eulogies delivered by his close associates Paul Bert and Félix Régamey, as well as by his admirers such as Mr Delpeuch.
Finally, watch our video on the national tribute held on 11 November 1920.
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Discours de Paul Bert lors de la cérémonie du 4 janvier 1884
Audio (4.55 MB)
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Félix Régamey, A Gambetta, 1884
Audio (4.83 MB)
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Extrait de discours de M. Delpeuch, vice-président de l’association gambettiste, 6 janvier 1902
Audio (4.86 MB)
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L'hommage national du 11 novembre 1920
5m40
Duration: 5m40
Video (0 B)
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