On This Day

What Happened in August 1793

Historical Events

  • Aug 1 France becomes 1st country to use the metric system
  • Aug 8 The insurrection of Lyon occurs during the French Revolution.
  • Aug 10 Louvre palace officially opens in Paris as The Museum Central des Arts
  • Aug 12 The Rhône départment is created when the former département of Rhône-et-Loire was split into two: Rhône and Loire (Lêre).

Event of interestEvent of Interest

Aug 23 French Revolution: The National Convention adopts the levée en masse, conscripting all able-bodied men between 18 and 25 for military service during the French Revolutionary Wars

Politician and Revolutionary Georges Danton
Politician and Revolutionary
Georges Danton
Enlightenment Philosopher Marquis de Condorcet
Enlightenment Philosopher
Marquis de Condorcet
  • Aug 29 Slaves in French colony of St Domingue (Haiti) freed

Famous Birthdays

  • Aug 10 Heinrich August Neithardt, composer

Famous Deaths

  • Aug 22 Louis de Noailles, Marshal of France, dies at 80
  • Aug 28 Adam-Philippe Custine, French earl/general/parliament member, dies

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