Final Execution by Guillotine in France
June 17th, 1939
June 17th, 1939
How Long Ago?
85 years, 8 months, 26 days ago
Location
Versailles, France
Category
Crime & Law
People
- Eugen Weidmann
Links & References
Tags
Final Execution by Guillotine in France
Eugen Weidmann was publicly executed by guillotine in Versailles, outside Saint-Pierre prison. This event marked the end of public executions in France and was attended by a sizable crowd. Weidmann, convicted of multiple murders, had made headlines for his gruesome crimes, leading to significant public interest. The execution was performed by the authorities in a spectacle intended to serve as a deterrent to crime.
Weidmann was convicted of multiple murders.
Event attracted a large public audience.
Guillotine was a symbol of French justice.
This marked the end of public executions.
What Happened?
Eugen Weidmann, a German national, became notorious in France for a series of violent crimes, including the murder of an elderly woman and kidnapping, which led to the deaths of several individuals. His trial captured public attention due to the heinous nature of his actions and the graphic details that emerged during the proceedings. The authorities determined that a public execution would demonstrate the state's commitment to law and order, reinforcing societal norms against violent crime. Weidmann was subsequently sentenced to death by guillotine. On June 17, 1939, a large crowd gathered outside Saint-Pierre prison in Versailles to witness the execution, which was one of the last public executions in France. The event was heavily covered by the media, reflecting the public's fascination with crime and punishment at the time. The guillotine, a symbol of the French Revolution, had been in use for decades but was increasingly seen as an outdated form of capital punishment. As the thrill of public executions waned and the moral implications of such spectacles were debated, the French government would eventually abolish public executions altogether.
Why Does it Matter?
The execution of Eugen Weidmann is significant as it marked the end of public executions in France, a practice that had deep roots in the country’s violent and tumultuous history. This event highlighted the shift in societal attitudes toward capital punishment and public displays of violence. Public executions had long served as a grim spectacle meant to deter crime, but growing concerns about morality and human rights eventually led to their decline and the eventual abolition of capital punishment in France in 1981.
Discover More Historic Events from June 17th
Juneteenth Becomes Official Federal Holiday
Juneteenth National Independence Day was established as a federal holiday when President Joe Biden signed the bill into law. This day commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and is celebrated annually on June 19. The passage of the bill marks a significant moment in American history recognizing the struggles against racism and the continued fight for civil rights. More than 150 years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Juneteenth received formal recognition at the national level.
Continue ReadingDevastating wildfires in central Portugal
In June, wildfires erupted in central Portugal, leading to a serious humanitarian crisis. The wildfires, fueled by extreme temperatures and strong winds, claimed the lives of at least 64 individuals and injured 204 others. Most of the fatalities occurred as people attempted to escape the flames or were caught in their vehicles. The blaze spread rapidly through the region, particularly affecting forests and rural areas. Firefighting efforts were hampered by the weather conditions, creating a significant challenge for emergency responders. The incident raised awareness about fire safety regulations and forest management practices in Portugal.
Continue ReadingMass shooting at Emanuel AME Church
A gunman entered Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church during a prayer meeting, opened fire, and killed nine people, including the pastor. The attack occurred in Charleston, South Carolina, and was driven by racial motivations. The shooter, identified as Dylann Roof, later confessed to intending to spark a race war. The incident shocked the nation and reignited debates over gun control and racial tensions in America.
Continue ReadingO. J. Simpson's Low-Speed Chase and Arrest
O. J. Simpson was arrested following a dramatic low-speed car chase on national television. The chase began in a white Ford Bronco, driven by his friend Al Cowlings, as it traveled through Los Angeles. Police were pursuing Simpson in connection with the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman. The chase captured the attention of millions across the United States, culminating in Simpson's eventual surrender at his home. The chase became a media spectacle, reflecting societal interests in celebrity culture and crime.
Continue ReadingU.S. and Russia Sign Arms Reduction Agreement
U.S. President George Bush and Russian President Boris Yeltsin signed a 'joint understanding' agreement aimed at arms reduction, which would later be formally codified in START II. This agreement showcased a significant step towards nuclear disarmament during a period of post-Cold War thawing relations between the U.S. and Russia. The signing occurred in Washington, D.C., reflecting both leaders' commitment to reducing nuclear arsenals and fostering a cooperative bilateral relationship.
Continue ReadingRepeal of the Population Registration Act
The South African Parliament repealed the Population Registration Act, which mandated racial classification of all citizens at birth. This law was a key component of apartheid, enforcing racial segregation and discrimination. The repeal marked a significant step towards dismantling the apartheid system. With this change, the government sought to eliminate official racial classifications and promote a more inclusive society. The decision was part of a broader series of reforms aimed at achieving equality and ending decades of institutionalized racism in South Africa.
Continue Reading