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Jean D'EstreesFrench naval commander, admiral.
Date of Birth: 03.11.1624
Country:  France |
Content:
- Jean d'Estrées: A Distinguished French Naval Commander
- Service in the Fronde and Flanders
- Transition to the Navy
- Joint Naval Campaigns and Battles
- Overseas Expeditions and Triumphs
- Later Career and Honors
- Final Years and Legacy
- Family
- César Jean (b. 1671)
Jean d'Estrées: A Distinguished French Naval Commander
Born into a prominent family, Jean d'Estrées inherited military prowess and political connections. As a young man, he entered the army and rose quickly through the ranks, supported by his father's influence. By 1647, he held the rank of Colonel of the Navarre Regiment.
Service in the Fronde and Flanders
During the Fronde, a period of civil unrest, d'Estrées sided with the royal family. Between 1652 and 1653, he fought alongside Henri de Turenne against Spanish forces in Flanders and Lorraine. In 1656, he was captured at Valanciennes but soon exchanged. By 1657, he had achieved the rank of Lieutenant General.
Transition to the Navy
In 1668, d'Estrées clashed with Minister François de Louvois and transferred to the navy under Jean-Baptiste Colbert. He played a key role in developing France's maritime strength. In the same year, he was appointed Lieutenant General of the Navy, followed by Vice Admiral in 1669.
Joint Naval Campaigns and Battles
In 1672, d'Estrées commanded a combined Anglo-French fleet during the war with the Dutch Republic. However, disagreements with James, Duke of York, hampered their coordination, resulting in defeats at Solebay in 1672 and Walcheren and Texel in 1673.
Overseas Expeditions and Triumphs
From 1676 to 1677, d'Estrées led an expedition to the West Indies, capturing Cayenne and Tobago from the Dutch. In 1681, he became Marshal of France. In 1685 and 1688, he conducted expeditions against Tripoli and Algiers, respectively, bombarding their cities to suppress piracy and liberate captives.
Later Career and Honors
In 1687, d'Estrées was appointed Vice-King of French colonies in America. In the War of the Augsburg League, he fought against the English fleet, achieving a victory in 1691. In 1701, he was named Governor and Lieutenant General of Nantes.
Final Years and Legacy
Jean d'Estrées died in Paris on May 19, 1707. He left behind a distinguished legacy as a naval commander, administrator, and military strategist, contributing to the development of French maritime power.
Family
Wife: Marie Marguerite MorinChildren:
Victor Marie (1660-1737), Marshal of France
Jean (b. 1718), Archbishop of Cambrai, member of the Académie Française
César Jean (b. 1671)
Anne-Marie (b. 1723), nun at Notre Dame de l'Assomption in ParisMarie-Anne-Catherine (1663-1741)
