What ideology did Jean-Paul Marat support during the French Revolution?

Jean-Paul Marat was a significant figure during the French Revolution, known for his radical views and unwavering advocacy for popular violence as a means of achieving change. He was a vocal supporter of the working class and believed that the revolution should be pursued vigorously, often promoting the idea that the people should take up arms against their oppressors. Marat's writings in his newspaper, "L'Ami du Peuple," called for direct action and were influential in motivating the masses toward violent confrontation with the enemies of the revolution, including the monarchy and counter-revolutionaries.

His belief in strong dictatorial governance stems from his view that a strong, decisive approach was necessary to protect the revolution and enforce its principles. Marat perceived the revolutionary government as needing to act with urgency and resolve, which aligned with his support for violence as a legitimate method to achieve revolutionary goals. This perspective made him a polarizing figure, but it clearly positioned him as a proponent of radical means in the context of revolutionary change.