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(1842-1929)

As of 1875, he emerged as the leader of the “radical” Left at the Chamber of Deputies and became the eloquent spokesperson of workers’ interests and democratic liberties.

He pleaded for the amnesty of the communards and lead multiple attacks against the moderate governments he labeled “Opportunists” (hence his nickname: “destroyer of ministries”).

Georges Clemenceau, creator of the Human Rights League, fought against Jules Ferry’s colonial policy, before combatting the Bonapartist ambitions of General Boulanger.

Deeply affected by the Panama Scandal, he returned to the political scene to the advantage of the Dreyfus Affair. The letter J’accuse by Emile Zola was in fact published in the newspaper “L’Aurore” to which he was an important contributor.

In 1906, he was appointed Interior Minister and President of the Council.

He was appointed once again head of the government by Raymond Poincaré after the severe crisis of the summer 1917. He visited soldiers on the front and boosted the morale of the troops (thus earning the nickname of “ Le Père de la Victoire” (The Father of Victory) or “Le tigre” (The Tiger) ).

He played an active role within the Council of Four at the Versailles Peace Conference but remained doubtful regarding the creation of the Society of Nations. He withdrew from politics in 1920, after his defeat at the presidential election.