Auguste Blanqui, (born Feb. 1, 1805, Puget-Théniers, France—died Jan. 1, 1881, Paris), French socialist and revolutionary. A legendary martyr-figure of French radicalism, Blanqui believed that there could be no socialist transformation of society without a temporary dictatorship that would eradicate the old order. His activities, including the formation of various secret societies, caused him to be imprisoned various times for a total of more than 33 years. His disciples, the Blanquists, played an important role in the history of the workers’ movement even after his death.
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