Jean Jaurès was a prominent French socialist leader and politician born on September 3, 1859. He played a crucial role in the development of the French socialist movement and was a key figure in the establishment of the French Section of the Workers' International in 1905. Jaurès advocated for social justice, workers' rights, and the importance of education. Jaurès was also a passionate pacifist who opposed World War I, believing in the power of diplomacy over conflict. Tragically, he was assassinated on July 31, 1914, just days before the war began. His legacy continues to influence socialist thought and political activism in France and beyond.