The Remarkable Gombeta of the Second Empire

The respectable republican opposition of 18 70 was essentially the same as the group of respectable republicans who had triumphed back in february of 18 forty eight. They were political opponents of the existing regime, but they had no interest in overturning the social order. The guy who straddled the nebulous line between respectable opposition and radical neojacobinism was leon gambeta. Gambeta was easily the loudest, most carismatic and popular leader of the left opposition. He stood out as one of the best orators of his generation, later earning comparisons to mirabeau.