Lui Tier French statesman, 1871-1873 President of France, historian Date of Birth: 14.04.1797 Country: France

Louis Adolphe Thiers: A Biography

Louis Adolphe Thiers was a French statesman, historian, and politician who served as the President of France from 1871 to 1873. He was born on April 18, 1797, in Marseille. Thiers completed his studies in law at the University of Aix-en-Provence before moving to Paris in 1822 to pursue a career in politics. He began his political career by collaborating with the newspaper "Constitutionnel" and gained recognition for his work on the "History of the French Revolution" (1823-1827).

In 1830, Thiers founded the opposition newspaper "National" and became a member of the State Council after the July Revolution. As the Minister of Foreign Affairs, he resigned in 1836 when King Louis Philippe did not support his "inspired" foreign policy. In 1840, Thiers briefly served as the Prime Minister and continued his political line during the Egyptian Crisis, which almost led to a war with England. For the next eight years, Thiers remained in opposition and dedicated his time to historical research, particularly working on the "History of the Consulate and the Empire" (1845-1861).

Thiers remained a supporter of Louis Philippe and viewed the Second Republic with skepticism. He initially supported Louis Napoleon's candidacy for the presidency, but his illusions were shattered after the coup d'état in 1851. Thiers returned to active political life in 1863 and strongly criticized Napoleon III's foreign policy. He supported Emile Ollivier and seized the opportunity to engage in state affairs during the Franco-Prussian War in 1870.

Thiers embarked on a trip to European courts to negotiate support for France and showcased his diplomatic talents by reaching a peaceful agreement with Bismarck. Elected by 26 departments to the new National Assembly, Thiers was appointed as the "head of the executive power." In August 1871, he became the President of France and froze the question of monarchy restoration by signing the Bordeaux Pact.

Thiers effectively aided the Paris Commune, initially attempting to remove cannons from Montmartre with limited forces and later leaving the city at the mercy of the insurgents. However, he brutally suppressed the Commune afterward. Thiers resigned from his position in 1873.