Jules Ferry

ModernPoliticianFrance1832 — 1893

French prime minister who secularized education.

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Quick Facts

Born

1832

Died

1893

Country

France

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)48

Political (20%)70

Influence (20%)65

Legacy (20%)80

Leadership (15%)72

Strategy (15%)44

Total Score66.7

Jules Ferry — Complete Timeline

1879 AD

Minister of Public Instruction (1879-1881)Political Action

Jules Ferry served as Minister of Public Instruction, where he championed secular, free, and compulsory primary education. His laws laid the foundation for the French public school system.

Education ReformSecularism

Impact: nationalconstructive

1880 AD

Prime Minister of France (1880-1881)Political Action◆ Major

Ferry became Prime Minister. His government continued educational reforms and pursued colonial expansion in Tunisia and Indochina.

Third RepublicColonial Policy

Impact: national

1881 AD

Ferry Laws on Education (1881-1882)Reform

Ferry enacted laws making primary education free (1881) and compulsory and secular (1882). These laws removed religious instruction from public schools and established state control over education.

Education ReformSecularism

Impact: nationalconstructive

1883 AD

Second Term as Prime Minister (1883-1885)Political Action◆ Major

Ferry served a second term as Prime Minister. He oversaw the Tonkin campaign in Indochina, which led to French control over northern Vietnam.

Third RepublicColonial Expansion

Impact: regional

1884 AD

Treaty of Hué (1884)Political Action◆ Major

Ferry's government signed the Treaty of Hu

ColonialismIndochina

Impact: regional