Before entering politics, Jules Ferry was a journalist. He wrote a series of pamphlets against the Second Empire. Elected Republican deputy in 1869, he took part in the proclamation of the III th Republic on September 4, 1870 at the Paris City Hall. From then on, he began a rich although difficult political career:he was a member of the government of National Defense, mayor of Paris during the war against Prussia (1870), deputy of the Vosges (1871-1889), Minister of Instruction Public and Fine Arts (1879-1883), President of the Council (1880-1881/1883-1885) and Minister of Foreign Affairs (1883-1885). Member of the Senate in 1891, he became its president in 1893.
He is mainly known for the creation of the republican school (compulsory, free and secular), and for his colonial policy:establishment of the Tunisian protectorate, conquest of Brazza (Congo), occupation of Tamatave (Madagascar), conquest of Tonkin (including development is chipping away at his career). He contributed to the establishment of freedom of the press, assembly and trade unions and to the reorganization of local administrations.
Highly criticized in his time, his major work is considerable in French history, which now pays homage to him.
1832 - 1893
Status
Journalist
Politician