12 Facts About Adolphe Billault

Adolphe Augustin Marie Billault was born on 12 November 1805 in Vannes, Morbihan, to an obscure family.

Adolphe Billault told his prospective father-in-law, Guillaume Bourgault-Ducoudray, that he had little money and no reputation, but in three years would be the leading lawyer in Nantes, in another three years would be a national representative, and three years later would be a minister.

Adolphe Billault became President of the Bar of his order, and member of the General Council of the Loire-Inferieure.

Adolphe Billault was reelected on 2 March 1839 and accepted the position of Deputy Secretary of State of the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce, under the minister Alexandre Gouin.

Adolphe Billault was reelected on 9 July 1842 and on 1 August 1846.

Adolphe Billault continued to often vote with the opposition to the dynasty, while at times agreeing with the government.

Adolphe Billault declared himself Republican and voted with the party led by Louis-Eugene Cavaignac.

Adolphe Billault failed to be reelected, but became active in the extra-parliamentary cabals that were to decide the fate of the Republic.

Adolphe Billault was an official government candidate in the election of 29 February 1852, where he was returned as deputy for the 2nd district of Ariege.

Adolphe Billault remained in office until the crisis caused by the assassination attempt by Felice Orsini, when he was replaced by General Charles-Marie-Esprit Espinasse on 8 February 1858.

When Napoleon III tried to inaugurate the liberal empire on 24 November 1860, he called on Adolphe Billault to serve as minister without portfolio.

Adolphe Billault died prematurely at Nantes, Lower Loire, on 13 October 1863.