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Hyacinthe Camille Odilon BarrotFrench politician and statesman who, from 20 December 1848 to 31 October 1849, as Prime Minister, headed the cabinet of ministers of the Second Republic.
Date of Birth: 19.07.1791
Country:  France |
Content:
- Odilon Barrot: French Politician and Statesman
- Political Activism
- Parliamentary Career and Opposition
- Ministerial Appointments and Resignation
- Later Years and Legacy
Odilon Barrot: French Politician and Statesman
Early Life and CareerOdilon Barrot, born on July 19, 1791, in Villefort, Lozère, gained prominence as a lawyer at the Paris Court of Cassation before the July Revolution of 1830. From 1827, he served as a member and eventually president of the influential society "Aide-toi et le ciel t'aidera."
Political Activism
During the Revolution, Barrot actively participated in Democratic Party meetings, advocating for legal resistance and supporting the installation of the younger branch of the Bourbons on the French throne. Under Louis-Philippe, he held the position of Prefect of the Seine Department before resigning in solidarity with his colleagues.
Parliamentary Career and Opposition
Barrot's political career primarily centered around the French parliament. As an opposition leader, he participated in parliamentary debates as a representative of Paris, Eure, Bas-Rhin, and Aisne until 1848. His speeches and involvement in the Reformist Banquets significantly contributed to the unexpected momentum of the campaign to expand voting rights.
Ministerial Appointments and Resignation
Appointed President of the new Ministry on February 24, Barrot's tenure was cut short by the outbreak of the revolution and the proclamation of the republic. He remained politically active, serving as a member of the Constituent and Legislative Assemblies.
In 1848, Barrot was appointed President and Minister of Justice in Louis-Napoleon's initial ministry. However, he restricted press freedom and the right of assembly, and closed clubs, leading to his resignation on October 31, 1849. After the coup d'état of December 2, 1851, he permanently withdrew from politics.
Later Years and Legacy
Despite his retirement, Barrot was elected to the State Council by the National Assembly in 1872 and appointed its Vice-President on July 27. He passed away in Bougival, a suburb of Paris, on August 6, 1873, and was laid to rest in the Père Lachaise Cemetery.
