Georges Boulanger
FranceBiography of Georges Boulanger
Georges Boulanger was a French general, politician, and leader of the revanchist-antirepublican movement known as Boulangism. He received his education at the Nantes Lyceum and later entered the Saint-Cyr military academy in 1855. In his personal life, Boulanger was unhappy; his wife, a devout Jansenist, disagreed with him on everything, and they soon separated.
Boulanger quickly became a favorite among Parisian society, particularly among French women. His attachment to Madame Bonnemen played a significant role in his life, even during his final moments. As a young lieutenant, Boulanger participated in the African expedition, followed by the Italian War, the Indochina campaign, and finally the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. He initially commanded a battalion and then, promoted to lieutenant colonel, participated in the defense of Paris. Despite being seriously injured in battle, he was awarded the officer's cross of the Legion of Honor.
Commanding a division of 12,000 soldiers who bravely defended themselves and refused to be disarmed, Boulanger, after the capitulation of Paris, went to defend the southern fortresses of France. In 1874, he became a colonel. In 1882, Boulanger, summoned to command the infantry, designed a series of military reforms. During this time, he also made a diplomatic trip to America on behalf of the republic, which marked the beginning of his political career.
In February 1884, Boulanger was promoted to divisional general, and in January 1886, under the moderate republicans' government, he became the Minister of War in the Freycinet cabinet. During his tenure, he focused all his attention on introducing reforms in the ministry. He successfully resolved the issue of non-commissioned officers, made important changes in the army's deployment, simplified its mobilization and concentration, introduced the Lebel rifle, and implemented melinite shells. He also worked to protect France's borders, improve the army's organization, and address its material needs. Boulanger's popularity among the military allowed him to maintain his position as Minister of War.
Although he was not a skilled politician due to his lack of patience, Boulanger created a movement known as "Boulangism" within the party he joined. His popularity upon entering the ministry gave rise to hopes that he would become the leader of the party. Around Boulanger, a unique "democratic" party formed, which aimed to fight against the existing order but with a nuance that could attract all extreme left-wing revolutionaries in crucial moments. At the beginning of his ministry, there were suggestions for Boulanger to initiate a coup with the help of the loyal army. However, Boulanger rejected any decisive action, fearing the potential disaster for France in case of failure.
The period between the Freycinet ministry and the subsequent Goblet ministry benefited Boulanger. During this time, he was being hailed as a dictator, but he himself feared taking decisive measures. The Boulangists, his supporters, spared no effort to increase his popularity. Brochures extolling the brave general and portraits of him were distributed everywhere, especially in the provinces. Many poems glorified him as a courageous general and a charming knight.
In January 1889, Boulanger was elected as a deputy in several departments. His presence in the Chamber of Deputies caused great disorder. Boulanger's election in the Seine department on January 27 turned the tide against Boulangism as he was not chosen, and his sharp speeches in the chamber led to the Supreme Court's decision to arrest him. The radical party, seeing the threat of the monarchist party winning, decided to sacrifice their presidential candidate Freycinet and put forward Sadi Carnot, who ultimately received the majority of the votes.
Boulanger failed to become the head of the Ministry of War, and from that moment on, royalist intrigues intensified, with funds being raised for bribes. The Duchess d'Uzes provided the money, believing in the salvation of France through the restoration of the monarchy and being passionately devoted to General Boulanger. A commission known as the "Duchess's Wallet Committee" was formed to distribute the funds in the areas where Boulanger was to be elected as a deputy. Boulanger was elected as a deputy in several departments.
The Parliament, witnessing the ongoing turmoil surrounding Boulanger, feared decisive action from him. Through the Minister of War, General Ferron, Boulanger was sentenced to a three-day arrest for disciplinary misconduct, namely, leaving his post in Clermont-Ferrand while disguised when he was supposed to be on duty. This expulsion had a more romantic rather than political character, as Boulanger came to Paris for a rendezvous with Madame Bonnemen, a woman to whom he was faithful and who had an unlimited passion for him. Boulanger's arrest only increased his popularity.
Boulangist organizations, such as "Cocarde," were formed. The ovations he received at the train station upon his return to Clermont-Ferrand demonstrated the strength of his party. The National Protest Republican Committee was formed to support Boulanger's candidacy. However, even after the exposure and downfall of Boulanger in 1889-1891, the aspirations and hopes that had gathered around his name were not completely eliminated. An existing "Boulangist party" continued to exist, waiting for an opportunity to resume its agitation. Boulanger's suicide dealt a final and irreversible blow to the calculations of this party.
Boulanger's suicide marked the end of a cycle of events, aspirations, and thoughts that played a significant role not only in France but also in the political relations of the entire Europe. Although Boulangism had a strong impact on France's internal situation and enjoyed some support beyond its borders, Boulanger himself did not achieve his goals. His tumultuous life, full of diverse adventures, ultimately amounted to nothing. He did not bring anything to completion, and the idea associated with his name disintegrated with his flight. Boulanger died not as a soldier or a statesman but as a romantic figure. His tragic end was a reflection of his character and actions throughout his life.
