1. Jean-Georges Humann was a French financier and politician.
19 Facts About Georges Humann
1. 2.
Georges Humann's father was a bourgeois of Strasbourg, but his family was not wealthy and his education was limited.
3.
When he was fourteen Humann was apprenticed to a tobacco merchant.
4.
At a very young age, between 1800 and 1810, Georges Humann acquired a considerable fortune and became a celebrity in Alsace.
5.
Georges Humann's wealth came from smuggling at the time of the Continental Blockade, when trade in goods of British origin was prohibited.
6.
Georges Humann became in turn a member of the Strasbourg Chamber of Commerce, a judge at the commerce court in 1812, and a member of the Administrative Committee of Civil Hospices in 1816.
7.
In 1818 Georges Humann led a deputation charged with presenting the grievances and demands of the Strasbourg business community to the government, with great success.
8.
Georges Humann soon became one of the leading supporters of economic and political liberalism, and a defender of the interests of Alsace.
9.
Georges Humann was involved in the debates about tobacco, speaking against a monopoly and in favor of a consumption tax.
10.
In February 1823 Georges Humann spoke against the planned invasion of Spain, which he felt was against the interests of the Bourbons.
11.
Georges Humann was appointed a member of the general council of commerce, chaired by Jean-Baptiste de Villele, the Minister of the Interior.
12.
In November 1827 Georges Humann failed to be reelected for Bas-Rhin.
13.
Georges Humann was made a member of the Budget Committee, and in 1830 was the rapporteur of the budget.
14.
Georges Humann held this position in successive cabinets until January 1836.
15.
On 14 January 1836 Georges Humann presented the draft budget for 1837 to the Chamber of Deputies.
16.
The proposal caused an unexpected storm of controversy, and Georges Humann was forced to resign on 18 January 1836.
17.
Georges Humann returned to Strasbourg to recuperate his health and find some peace.
18.
Georges Humann was reluctant to create or raise taxes, but preferred to collect existing taxes more efficiently.
19.
Georges Humann died of a stroke at the Finance ministry in Paris on 25 April 1842.