Jérôme Diderot
Jérôme Raphael Diderot | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Chief of the Revolutionary Government of the Federation of Arlyon | |
| In office 22 September 1922 – 31 July 1930 | |
| Preceded by | Post created |
| Succeeded by | Édouard Laffont |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 17 March 1860 Charhône, Arlyon |
| Died | 24 April 1934 (aged 74) Champierre, Arlyon |
| Spouse | Jeanne Marchias |
| Children | Caroline |
| Nickname(s) | The Fox The peasant general |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Second Arlyonish Republic Arlyonish Revolutionary Government |
| Branch/service | Army |
| Years of service | 1879-1930 |
| Rank | Général d'armée |
| Battles/wars | Continental War Arlyonish Revolutionary War |
Jérôme Raphael Diderot (17 March 1860 - 24 April 1934) was an Arlyonish general, political leader and revolutionary who served as the first head of state of the Federation of Arlyon. A hero of the Continental War Diderot's leading role in the Arlyonish Revolutionary War and the creation of the federation saw Arlyon transform into a socialist state. Ideologically Diderot evolved from a left-republican to a revolutionary socialist albeit was always accused of harbouring ambitions to seize power as a military dictator.
Born in a working class family Diderot joined the army in an artillery brigade at a young age. He was promoted to the post of major general shortly before the Continental War; he earned the derisive nickname the "peasant general" as a result of his origins. Considered a supporter of republican positivism like many in the army he was during the Continental War known for his skills in leading numerically smaller armies to defeat larger Lavarian forces, a feat that earned him the nickname "the fox". After the war he opposed the imposition of the Lavarian monarchy and was forcibly retired due to his republican sympathies. Diderot remained a hugely popular figure for the republican opposition and was considered to be hugely influential in sectors of the army that opposed the new April Monarchy.