Jules François Camille Ferry was born on 5 April 1832 in the Vosges department of France to Charles-Édouard Ferry, a lawyer, and Adélaïde Jamelet. His family had a history of public service, with his grandfather serving as mayor of Saint-Dié. Ferry studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1854, but he soon shifted his focus to politics, writing for various newspapers, notably Le Temps, where he criticized the Second French Empire and its officials, particularly Baron Haussmann.Ferry was elected as a republican deputy for Paris in 1869 and opposed the declaration of war with Germany. He was appointed prefect of the Seine on 6 September 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War, managing Paris during its siege. After the Paris Commune, he resigned on 5 June 1871. Ferry served as minister to Athens from 1872 to 1873 before returning to the French Chamber of Deputies as a representative for the Vosges. He became a prominent figure among the Opportunist Republicans and held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Education and Minister of Foreign Affairs, before serving as Prime Minister from 1880 to 1881 and again from 1883 to 1885.Ferry's administration is noted for significant educational reforms, including the establishment of free, compulsory, and non-clerical primary education through laws enacted on 16 June 1881 and 28 March 1882. He aimed to reduce the influence of the clergy in education and promote a secular republican system. His policies led to an increase in the number of professors in higher education, who were referred to as the 'Republic's black hussars' due to their support for republican ideals.Ferry also pursued an aggressive colonial expansion policy, believing that a strong colonial empire was essential for France's economic growth. He initiated the exploration of Tunisia in 1882 and played a key role in establishing a French protectorate there in 1881. He oversaw negotiations for the occupation of Madagascar and directed military actions in Indochina, which led to conflict with China during the Sino-French War. The war's unpopularity contributed to his resignation on 30 March 1885, despite the eventual treaty that ceded control of Annam and Tonkin to France.Ferry's political strategy included a purge of monarchists from key positions in government, reflecting his commitment to republicanism. He later expressed concerns about the social dynamics in Algeria, advocating for education for the local population while critiquing the settlers' attitudes and governance. His views on the need for self-governance in Algeria highlighted the complexities of colonial rule.Ferry's tenure as Prime Minister was marked by his attempts to foster a cooperative relationship with Germany, believing that confrontation would be detrimental to France. He sought to avoid future conflicts and supported colonial endeavors that aligned with German interests, which led to a temporary easing of tensions between the two nations.In the later years of his life, Ferry remained active in politics, opposing General Boulanger and seeking the presidency after Jules Grévy's resignation in 1887, though he withdrew in favor of Sadi Carnot due to a lack of radical support. On 10 December 1887, he survived an assassination attempt. He died on 17 March 1893 from complications related to his injuries, and the Chamber of Deputies honored him with a state funeral.

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Jules Ferry