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Louis-Adolphe ThiersFrench politician
Date of Birth: 15.04.1797
Country:  France |
Content:
- Louis Adolphe Thiers: A Political and Intellectual Luminary
- Journalism and Literary Success
- "Histoire de la Révolution Française"
- Transition to Politics and the July Revolution
- Under Louis-Philippe
- The Thiers Ministry
- The Thiers Government of 1836
- Later Career and Opposition
- The Thiers Fortifications
- Presidency of the Third Republic
- Legacy
Louis Adolphe Thiers: A Political and Intellectual Luminary
Early Life and EducationBorn to a merchant family in Marseille, Thiers' father's business declined during the French Revolution, forcing him to become a craftsman. Displaying exceptional abilities from a young age, Thiers received further education at a local college with the support of the commune. Upon completing his studies at the Faculty of Law, he embarked on a career as an advocate.
Journalism and Literary Success
In 1820, Thiers wrote an essay "Eloge de Vauvenargues" for an academy prize. While the academy recognized its literary merit, it withheld the award due to Thiers' revolutionary tendencies. The following year, he submitted a work on the same topic, written from an opposing perspective, which was awarded the prize by a royalist academy.
In 1821, Thiers relocated to Paris and collaborated with his close friend Mignet. Initially facing financial hardship, he soon established a relationship with Liberal deputy P.-L. Manuel and began writing for the "Constitutionnel." His contributions included art and literary criticism, as well as political articles. In 1822, he published a collection of essays on the Art Exhibition, expressing admiration for emerging Romantic painters.
"Histoire de la Révolution Française"
Thiers dedicated himself to an ambitious project, writing the "Histoire de la Révolution Française depuis 1789 jusqu'au 18 brumaire" (1823-1827, "History of the French Revolution from 1789 to the 18th Brumaire"). This work became the first comprehensive and scholarly narrative of the Revolution. It was simultaneously published with a shorter but equally well-regarded history by Mignet.
Thiers' writing demonstrated an ability to articulate complex events with the expertise of a specialist. His accounts of battles and campaigns suggested military knowledge, while those on finance seemed penned by a financial expert. The work's elegant prose and vivid characterizations captivated the public.
Transition to Politics and the July Revolution
Thiers balanced his literary endeavors with political activities. In 1829, he co-founded the opposition newspaper "National" with Mignet and Armand Carrel. On January 1, 1830, he penned an editorial outlining the newspaper's unwavering support for the Bourbon dynasty, but only if it strictly adhered to the constitutional charter.
When King Charles X violated the charter with the July Ordinances, Thiers played a pivotal role in organizing resistance. He drafted a proclamation denouncing the ordinances and insisting that they had suspended the rule of law, thus freeing citizens from any obligation to obey. He was among those who signed and published the proclamation.
Under Louis-Philippe
After the July Revolution, Thiers became a member of the State Council and later served as Finance Minister under Laffitte. He also entered the Chamber of Deputies as a representative of the revolution's ideals. However, his views evolved over time, and he emerged as a supporter of the conservative ministry of Casimir Périer (1831-1832).
The Thiers Ministry
In 1832, Thiers entered the "Ministry of October 11th," serving as Minister of the Interior, Trade, and Internal Affairs at different times. His tenure witnessed the evolution of his beliefs alongside the rise of the bourgeoisie. The ministry suppressed insurrections, including the Lyon and Paris riots of 1834.
As Minister of Trade, Thiers championed the stock exchange and promoted the construction of railways. He also supported the revival of the Napoleonic cult, contributing to the placement of Napoleon's statue on the Vendôme Column.
The Thiers Government of 1836
Rivalry with Guizot led to the fall of the "Ministry of October 11th." Thiers formed his own government in 1836, assuming the presidency and the portfolio of Foreign Affairs. However, disagreements with the king forced its resignation after just six months.
Later Career and Opposition
Thiers returned to scholarship and led the dynastic opposition in the Chamber of Deputies. In 1840, he formed his second cabinet, which focused on balancing different political factions. He attempted to convert the state's debt but faced resistance from the Chamber of Peers and the king.
In foreign policy, Thiers supported Egypt's Muhammad Ali against the Ottoman Empire and the Quadruple Alliance. Tensions escalated, leading Thiers to mobilize the French army and navy. However, King Louis-Philippe refused to deliver the planned bellicose speech, prompting the ministry's resignation.
The Thiers Fortifications
Following his departure from office, Thiers remained a vocal critic of Guizot's ministry. He advocated for the construction of fortifications around Paris as a defense against foreign invasion. Despite his arguments, the fortifications proved ineffective in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871.
Presidency of the Third Republic
In 1871, Thiers became the first President of the provisional Third Republic. He oversaw the suppression of the Paris Commune, which attempted to establish a revolutionary government. After the adoption of a constitution, he stepped down from the presidency in 1873.
Legacy
Louis Adolphe Thiers was a versatile and influential figure in French history. His writings on the French Revolution and his political career demonstrated his scholarly brilliance and his ability to adapt to changing circumstances. He played a key role in shaping the political landscape of France during the 19th century, leaving a lasting legacy as a historian, politician, and statesman.
