Paul Deschanel, Paul

Profession:
(1855-1922) French statesman. He served as President of France from 18 February to 21 September 1920

Year of Birth: 1855

Paul Deschanel was a French politician who served as the President of France from 1920 to 1924. Born on February 13, 1855, in Brussels, Belgium, Deschanel came from a prominent political family. His father, Émile Deschanel, was a well-known writer and politician, and his mother, Sophie Deschanel, was a poet and playwright.

Deschanel studied law at the University of Paris and became a lawyer before entering politics. He was elected to the Chamber of Deputies in 1885 and quickly gained a reputation as an eloquent and intelligent speaker.

In 1912, Deschanel was appointed Minister of Interior and later served as Minister of Foreign Affairs. He played a key role in negotiating the Treaty of Versailles, which officially ended World War I.

Deschanel's presidency was marked by his focus on domestic issues, particularly economic recovery and social reform. He implemented policies to stimulate the economy and reduce unemployment, and he championed the rights of workers and women.

Despite his accomplishments, Deschanel's presidency was also marred by controversy. In 1920, he suffered a mental breakdown and was forced to resign. He was found wandering aimlessly near the presidential office, wearing only his pajamas. Deschanel spent several months in a psychiatric hospital before making a recovery.

After his recovery, Deschanel retired from politics but continued to be involved in intellectual and cultural pursuits. He wrote numerous books on political philosophy and served as a professor at the Collège de France. He died on April 28, 1922, leaving behind a legacy of political achievement and intellectual contribution.