Adolphe Thiers, French historian and politician, 2nd President of France (d. 1877)

Marie Joseph Louis Adolphe Thiers, whose name is pronounced tee-AIR in English and [maʁi ʒozɛf lwi adɔlf tjɛʁ] in French, was a towering figure in 19th-century French politics and intellectual life. Born on April 15, 1797, and passing away on September 3, 1877, his extensive career spanned multiple regimes, seeing him evolve from a spirited journalist and historian into a pivotal statesman. He holds the distinct historical position of being the second elected President of France and, significantly, the very first President of the French Third Republic, a foundational period for modern France.

Thiers first rose to prominence through his incisive political writings and fervent liberalism. He played a crucial role in the July Revolution of 1830, an uprising often referred to as the "Trois Glorieuses" or "Three Glorious Days." This dramatic revolution led to the overthrow of the conservative King Charles X, installing the more liberal King Louis Philippe, the "Citizen King," in what became known as the July Monarchy. His influence continued to be felt nearly two decades later during the French Revolution of 1848, which saw the final collapse of the Bourbon monarchy and the establishment of the Second French Republic. These early interventions cemented his reputation as a powerful voice in shaping France's political destiny.

A Shifting Political Landscape

Under the July Monarchy, Thiers's political career flourished. He served as a prime minister twice, first in 1836 and again in 1840, demonstrating his administrative capabilities and political acumen. During this period, he oversaw significant national events, including the dedication of the iconic Arc de Triomphe in Paris, a powerful symbol of French military glory and national identity. Perhaps even more remarkably, he orchestrated the grand repatriation of Napoleon Bonaparte's remains from Saint Helena to France in 1840, a national spectacle known as the "retour des cendres," which aimed to reconcile various political factions by embracing a shared, if complex, national hero.

His relationship with Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, who would later become Emperor Napoleon III, encapsulated Thiers's complex political journey. Initially, Thiers was a cautious supporter of Louis-Napoléon when he was elected President of the Second Republic in 1848, perhaps seeing him as a figure who could bring order and stability after the turmoil of the 1848 revolution. However, as Louis-Napoléon's ambitions grew, culminating in the coup d'état of December 1851 that dissolved the National Assembly and led to the establishment of the Second French Empire, Thiers became a staunch and vocal opponent. His principled stand against the authoritarian turn resulted in his immediate arrest and a brief, but impactful, expulsion from France. Upon his return, he continued to be a leading voice of the opposition during the Second Empire, often criticizing the imperial regime's policies and highlighting the erosion of republican liberties.

Leader in Crisis: The Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune

The collapse of the Second Empire following France's catastrophic defeat in the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) thrust Thiers back into the national spotlight, albeit in a deeply challenging role. He had famously opposed the war, foreseeing its disastrous consequences for an unprepared France. In the chaotic aftermath, with the country reeling from defeat and the capital under siege, Thiers was elected chief executive of the new French government. His immediate and monumental task was to negotiate an end to the war, which he successfully did with the signing of the Treaty of Frankfurt. This treaty, though harsh for France, brought a fragile peace.

However, the nation's troubles were far from over. The same month that a preliminary peace treaty was signed, a revolutionary socialist government known as the Paris Commune seized power in the capital. Emerging from the widespread discontent and political vacuum left by the war, the Commune represented a radical challenge to the provisional government based in Versailles. Thiers, tasked with restoring national order, famously gave the orders to the army for its brutal suppression. The ensuing conflict, particularly the "Semaine sanglante" (Bloody Week) in May 1871, was one of the most violent episodes in French history, leading to thousands of deaths and leaving a lasting, often controversial, mark on Thiers's legacy.

The First President of the Third Republic

Despite, or perhaps because of, his decisive actions, Thiers was seen as the indispensable figure to guide France towards stability. At the advanced age of seventy-four, he was formally named President of the Republic by the French National Assembly in August 1871. As President, his paramount achievement was the swift and successful liberation of French territory from German occupation. Through a combination of astute financial management, rallying national pride, and issuing significant national loans, he managed to pay off the war indemnity to Germany, securing the departure of German soldiers from most of France two years ahead of the schedule stipulated in the peace treaty. This monumental feat restored French sovereignty and earned him widespread admiration, solidifying the nascent Third Republic.

Yet, the political landscape remained volatile. Thiers, initially supported by many factions as a figure of order, increasingly alienated both the monarchists in the National Assembly (who hoped for a restoration of the monarchy) and the more radical left-wing Republicans. His pragmatic approach and gradual embrace of a republican form of government, seeing it as the only viable path for France, clashed with those who held firm to their ideological convictions. Facing growing opposition, he resigned on May 24, 1873, and was succeeded by Patrice de MacMahon, a monarchist general. Though his presidency was brief, it was foundational, laying much of the groundwork for the enduring Third Republic.

A Scholar and Historian of Renown

Beyond his dynamic political career, Adolphe Thiers was also a highly respected and popular historian, whose literary contributions greatly influenced public understanding of French history. He authored the first large-scale history of the French Revolution, a monumental 10-volume work published between 1823 and 1827. As historian Robert Tombs notes, this was "A bold political act during the Bourbon Restoration," a period of conservative backlash, and it "formed part of an intellectual upsurge of liberals against the counter-revolutionary offensive of the Ultra Royalists." This work established his reputation not only as a scholar but also as a powerful liberal voice. He followed this with an equally ambitious twenty-volume History of the Consulate and Empire of Napoleon Bonaparte (Histoire du Consulat et de l'Empire), meticulously detailing one of France's most pivotal eras.

His intellectual prowess was recognized with his election to the prestigious Académie Française in 1834, a testament to his significant contributions to French language and literature. Thiers passed away in 1877, and his funeral transcended a mere private ceremony, transforming into a major political event. The procession was notably led by two titans of the republican movement, Victor Hugo and Léon Gambetta, who had, by that point, become his allies in the ongoing struggle against conservative monarchist forces. This public display underscored Thiers's ultimate legacy as a key architect and defender of the French Republic.

Frequently Asked Questions about Adolphe Thiers

Who was Adolphe Thiers?

Adolphe Thiers was a prominent French statesman and historian (1797-1877) who played a crucial role in several major political transitions, including the July Revolution of 1830 and the 1848 Revolution. He ultimately became the first President of the French Third Republic.

What were Adolphe Thiers's major political achievements?

His key political achievements include helping to establish the July Monarchy and the Second Republic, serving as Prime Minister, negotiating the end of the Franco-Prussian War, suppressing the Paris Commune, and, most notably as President, securing the early departure of German occupation forces from France after the war.

Why is Thiers considered a controversial figure?

Thiers's legacy is often debated due to his role in the brutal suppression of the Paris Commune in 1871, which resulted in significant loss of life. His shifting political allegiances throughout his career, from supporting monarchies to establishing a republic, also contribute to differing interpretations of his actions.

What was Thiers's contribution to French history beyond politics?

Beyond his political career, Thiers was a distinguished historian. He authored influential multi-volume works, including a comprehensive history of the French Revolution and a history of the Napoleonic Consulate and Empire. His election to the Académie Française further cemented his intellectual standing.

What was Thiers's role in the establishment of the French Third Republic?

After the Franco-Prussian War, Thiers was elected chief executive and then President of the Republic. He was instrumental in stabilizing the war-torn nation, negotiating the peace treaty, and securing the early withdrawal of German troops, thereby providing a stable foundation for the fledgling Third Republic, which he ultimately led as its first President.