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September 3, 1859
Castres, France
July 31, 1914
Paris, France

Teacher, journalist, political leader

Though his life was cut short by an assassin's bullet, Jean Jaurès made a lasting contribution to French politics. A brilliant teacher, writer, and political thinker, Jaurès was most importantly an idealist who believed that society's hope lay not in fighting or struggle but in the free thoughts and dreams of its working people. Perhaps the greatest testimony to Jau rès's enduring contribution is that dozens of schools all over France have been named after him. A strong supporter of free dom and excellence in education for all, Jaurès might have been proudest of this legacy.

A Passion for Learning

Jaurès was born to lower-middle-class parents on September 3, 1859, in Castres, a small textile center in the south west of France. A quick and enthusiastic...