Charles Cousin-Montauban French military leader and statesman. Date of Birth: 24.06.1796 Country: France

1. Early Life and Origins
2. Rise to Military Prominence
3. Boisterous Bonapartist
4. General and Governor
5. China and the "Count of Palikao"
6. Military Command and the Franco-Prussian War
7. Brief Cabinet and Exile
8. Later Years and Legacy

Early Life and Origins

Charles Cousin-Montauban was born in Paris in 1804. His true origins remain shrouded in mystery. Official records indicate that he was baptized as Hippolyte-François-Sébastien-Cousin, but the authenticity of these documents has been questioned. Rumors surrounding his parentage range from being the son of an executioner to the Duke of Chartres, who later became King Louis-Philippe.

Rise to Military Prominence

In 1840, Cousin-Montauban was a mere captain. However, his alleged ties to Louis-Napoleon, who attempted a coup in Boulogne, resulted in his banishment to Algeria. There, he served in the cavalry, rising to the rank of Colonel in 1846. In 1847, he captured the leader of an Algerian rebellion, Abd al-Kadir.

Boisterous Bonapartist

Despite this achievement, Cousin-Montauban faced trial for financial irregularities. The outbreak of the 1848 Revolution fortuitously halted the proceedings. He subsequently became a vocal supporter of Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte, earning him arrest but later winning his favor upon Louis-Napoleon's elevation to the presidency.

General and Governor

Cousin-Montauban was promoted to Brigadier General in 1852 and Divisional General in 1855. He commanded the province of Constantine in Algeria, earning notoriety for his corruption and despotism. Nevertheless, Emperor Napoleon III protected him, valuing his loyalty to the dynasty.

China and the "Count of Palikao"

In 1859, Cousin-Montauban led French forces in China during the Second Opium War. He distinguished himself by capturing the Taku Forts in 1860 and receiving the title "Count of Palikao" from Napoleon III in 1862 after a victory at Baliqiao. However, his conduct in China was criticized for brutality, particularly the looting of the Summer Palace in Beijing.

Military Command and the Franco-Prussian War

Cousin-Montauban returned to France in 1864 to head the Lyon Army and later the IV Army Corps. At the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War, he was initially slated to command amphibious forces. However, with the collapse of the Ollivier government, he was appointed Minister of War and head of government.

Brief Cabinet and Exile

Despite his 24-day tenure as Minister of War, Cousin-Montauban mobilized the nation's military resources. He formed a new army under MacMahon that aimed to relieve the besieged fortress of Metz but suffered a disastrous defeat at Sedan. After the emperor's capture, Cousin-Montauban briefly considered assuming dictatorial powers but ultimately opted for a council of national defense. Before a decision could be made, a mob stormed the assembly hall, proclaiming the establishment of a republic. Cousin-Montauban fled to Belgium.

Later Years and Legacy

He eventually returned to France and passed away in Versailles at the age of 81. Despite his controversial career, Cousin-Montauban's military accomplishments and unwavering loyalty to the Bonaparte dynasty remain significant in French history.