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Robert SchumanPrime Minister of France
Date of Birth: 29.06.1886
Country:  France |
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Biography of Robert Schuman
Robert Schuman was born on June 29, 1886 in Luxembourg City, into a family of immigrants from Lorraine. He held German citizenship and fought in the army of Emperor Wilhelm during World War I. After Lorraine was ceded to France in 1918, he changed his nationality. Schuman completed his law degree at the University of Strasbourg in 1912 and practiced as a lawyer in Metz.
Political Career
Schuman's political career began in 1919 when he was elected as a deputy from the Moselle department to the National Assembly of France. He was arrested by the Gestapo in 1940, imprisoned, escaped in 1942, and participated in the Resistance movement. After World War II, Schuman was involved in the organization of the Popular Republican Movement. From 1946 to 1947, as Minister of Finance in the governments of Bidault and Ramadier, he tried to curb inflation. He served as Prime Minister from November 1947 to July 1948 and during the period of growing economic difficulties in August-September 1948. From 1948 to 1952, he held the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs, from 1955 to 1956 - Minister of Justice, and from 1958 to 1960 - President of the Consultative Assembly of the European Council.
Architect of European Unity
On May 9, 1950, Schuman delivered a speech in which he announced the proposal for the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community, laying the foundation for the European Union. By decision of the Constitutional Convention, May 9 is now celebrated as Europe Day.
