Félix Faure, French politician, 7th President of France (d. 1899)

Félix François Faure (French pronunciation: ​[feliks fʁɑ̃swa fɔʁ]; 30 January 1841 – 16 February 1899) served as the seventh President of France from 1895 until his sudden death in 1899. His four-year term, during the dynamic and often tumultuous French Third Republic, was characterized by significant diplomatic efforts and profound domestic challenges, most notably the escalating Dreyfus Affair.

A native of Paris, Faure’s early life presented an unusual path to the highest office; he worked as a tanner in his younger years. This background highlighted his remarkable ascent through social and political ranks, showcasing a self-made man who achieved prominence through acumen and determination.

Political Ascent and the Presidency

Faure’s political career began in 1881 when he was elected a member of the Chamber of Deputies for Seine-Inférieure (now Seine-Maritime). He steadily rose through the ranks of national politics, holding various ministerial portfolios before unexpectedly assuming the presidency. His previous roles included Under-Secretary of State for Colonies (1882-1885), Finance (1887), and Marine (1894), providing him with broad governmental experience. He was elected President in January 1895 following the resignation of his predecessor, Jean Casimir-Perier.

Strengthening the Franco-Russian Alliance

A cornerstone of Félix Faure’s foreign policy was the decisive strengthening of the Franco-Russian Alliance. This pivotal military and political pact, initially signed in 1894, was designed to counterbalance the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy) and reshape the European balance of power. Faure personally undertook a significant state visit to Russia in 1897, where he was warmly received by Emperor Nicholas II. This visit, marked by mutual decorations and military displays, solidified the strategic partnership between the two nations, laying crucial diplomatic groundwork for the period leading up to World War I.

The Dreyfus Affair and “J’Accuse…!”

Félix Faure’s presidency was inextricably linked to the escalating Dreyfus Affair, a national crisis involving the wrongful conviction of Jewish artillery captain Alfred Dreyfus for treason. In 1898, the renowned writer Émile Zola published his incendiary open letter, “J’Accuse…!,” directly addressed to President Faure and printed in the newspaper L’Aurore on January 13. Zola’s letter vehemently accused the military establishment and government of a cover-up and grave judicial errors in the Dreyfus case. This powerful indictment ignited fervent public debate, deeply dividing French society between those who sought justice for Dreyfus (Dreyfusards) and those who prioritized military honor and national stability (anti-Dreyfusards). President Faure, consistent with his perceived duty to uphold the state and military, maintained a firm stance against a review of the case, aligning him publicly with the anti-Dreyfusard camp.

Sudden Death and Funeral Aftermath

Félix Faure died suddenly at the Élysée Palace on 16 February 1899, with the official cause attributed to apoplexy. His unexpected demise, at the age of 58, left a void in French politics. His state funeral, a solemn occasion held at Notre-Dame Cathedral on 23 February 1899, unexpectedly became the scene of a dramatic political incident. During the funeral procession, the French nationalist poet and politician Paul Déroulède, leader of the Ligue des Patriotes (League of Patriots), attempted to instigate a coup d'état. Déroulède tried to divert a contingent of troops from the funeral route towards the Élysée Palace, aiming to overthrow the parliamentary republic in favor of a more authoritarian regime, possibly even a restoration of the monarchy or empire. However, his audacious attempt failed as the commanding General Gauderique Roget refused to follow his orders. Déroulède was subsequently arrested and eventually exiled to Spain, underscoring the deep political divisions and nationalist fervor prevalent in France at the turn of the century.

Frequently Asked Questions about Félix Faure

When did Félix Faure serve as President of France?

Félix Faure served as the President of France from 1895 until his death in 1899.

What was Félix Faure’s profession before entering politics?

In his younger years, Félix Faure worked as a tanner.

What significant foreign policy achievement is associated with Félix Faure’s presidency?

His presidency saw the strengthening and solidification of the Franco-Russian Alliance, a crucial diplomatic and military pact that counterbalanced the German Empire’s influence in Europe.

How was Félix Faure involved in the Dreyfus Affair?

Émile Zola’s famous open letter, “J’Accuse…!,” which exposed alleged military cover-ups in the Dreyfus case, was directly addressed to President Faure in 1898. Faure generally maintained a stance against reviewing the case, siding with the military establishment.

What notable event occurred during Félix Faure’s funeral?

During his state funeral in 1899, the French nationalist Paul Déroulède attempted to lead a coup d'état by trying to divert troops towards the Élysée Palace, an attempt which ultimately failed.