Babeuf, François-Noël

(1760-1797) ("Gracchus")

   revolutionary

   Born in Saint-Quentin, and spending his early years in the service of the landed aristocracy, François-Noël, or Gracchus, Babeuf as he is known, wrote initially on the problems of agrarian law and land distribution. Arriving in paris during the revolution of 1789, he was briefly imprisoned at the time of the terror. upon his release, he attacked the Revolution because it had not developed along the lines of socialism. writing under the pen name "Gracchus Babeuf," he published a journal, Tribun du peuple, in which he strongly condemned the enemies of the Revolution. As a supporter of common ownership of land and property, and of the absolute equality of all citizens, he advocated the abolition of all private ownership of property and of inheritance. He was also one of the earliest advocates of nationalization. His principles became known as Babouvism. Along with Philippe buonarroti and others, he organized the Conspiracy of the Equals to overthrow the Directory government (1796) and establish a communistic state. Babeuf's part in this conspiracy resulted in his execution.