About
Joseph Fouché (1759-1820) was a major French politician of the Revolution and Empire. An Oratorian turned conventionnel, he voted for the death of Louis XVI and harshly repressed the Lyon revolt in 1793, earning the nickname 'Mitrailleur de Lyon'. As Minister of Police under the Directory, Consulate, and Empire, he built an extensive intelligence network. Dismissed in 1810, he returned during the Hundred Days, then briefly served Louis XVIII before being exiled as a regicide. He embodies political opportunism.
* 1759-05-21 — † 1820-12-26
Key milestones
- 1793Represses the Lyon revolt, earning the nickname 'Mitrailleur de Lyon'.
- 1799Appointed Minister of Police under the Directory.
- 1809Created Duke of Otranto by Napoleon.
Themes
Political opportunismSurveillance and policeFrench RevolutionNapoleonic EmpireRestoration
Sources: britannica.com · oxfordreference.com · id.loc.gov