10 Facts About Paul Deschanel

Paul Deschanel, the son of Emile Deschanel, professor at the College de France and senator, was born in Brussels, where his father was living in exile, owing to his opposition to Napoleon III.

Paul Deschanel is one of only two French Presidents who were born outside France.

Paul Deschanel was schooled at the College Sainte-Barbe-des-Champs in Fontenay-aux-Roses, then at the Lycee Louis-le-Grand and the Lycee Condorcet in Paris.

Paul Deschanel began his career as secretary to Deshayes de Marcere and to Jules Simon.

Paul Deschanel gained a position on the Committee of Foreign Affairs, and was president of the committee when the Franco-German treaty of 1911 came before Parliament.

Paul Deschanel was re-elected deputy in 1910, and on 23 May 1912 was chosen to be the President of the Chamber.

Paul Deschanel served until he was elected President of France on 17 January 1920 by an overwhelming majority, having beaten Georges Clemenceau in the preliminary party ballot.

Paul Deschanel aspired to a much more active role as president than had been de rigueur under the Third Republic; and was a very promising leader for the first six months but, for reasons of his own mental health, was unable to put his ideas to the test.

Paul Deschanel's resignation was offered on 21 September 1920, and he was placed in a sanatorium at Rueil-Malmaison for three months.

Paul Deschanel was elected a member of the Academie francaise in 1899, his books being:.