The Chevalier D'Eon and Wilkes: masculinity and politics in the eighteenth century

Supporters of John Wilkes in 1764 regarded the French diplomat, the Chevalier d'Eon, as a hero who fought against tyrannical governments. However, by 1771, rumor about his gender spread all over Europe. By studying these developments in the 18th century, historians can better understand how notions of masculinity and femininity affect the politics of a certain era. It should be noted that although women were regarded as inferior versions of men, they were also regarded as complementary to men.