Jules François Camille Ferry

Jules François Camille Ferry (1832-1893) was a distinguished French statesman, born at Saint Dié, in the Vosges. Called to the Paris bar in 1854, however, he speedily plunged into the politics of the time, and offered uncompromising opposition to the party of Louis Napoleon. As a member of the Corps Législa tif he opposed the war with Prussia, but as central mayor of Paris rendered signal service during the siege by the Germans. During his tenure of office as Minister of Public Instruction in 1879 he was instrumental in bringing about the expulsion of the Jesuits. As Prime Minister in 1880 and again in 1883-85 he inaugurated a spirited colonial policy, which involved France in war in Madagascar, and brought about his own downfall.

Nearby pages
Jules Gabriel Janin, Jules Mazarin, Jules Michelet, Jules Simon, Jules Verne, Julia