Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Fouad Chehab

Role / Field:

Lebanese general and statesman; President of Lebanon (1958-1964)

Born:

1902-03-19

Died:

1973-04-25

Century / Era:

1902s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Fouad Abdallah Chehab (Arabic: فُؤَاد عَبْد الله شِهَاب / ALA-LC: Fuʼād ʻAbd Allāh Shihāb; 19 March 1902 – 25 April 1973) was a Lebanese general and statesman who served as president of Lebanon from 1958 to 1964. He is considered to be the founder of the Lebanese Army after Lebanon gained independence from France, and became its first commander in 1946. Born in Ghazir to a family that traced its origins to nobility, Chehab joined the French Army in 1919. He was appointed Prime Minister of Lebanon by the outgoing president Bechara El Khoury, who resigned due to widespread demonstrations against his administration, and tasked Chehab with the role of organizing the next presidential election, in which Camille Chamoun was elected.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

During the 1958 Lebanon crisis between Chamoun and Muslim leaders, he prevented the army from siding with the government or the opposition, and refused any request to do so. This decision helped keep the army unified and limited losses. He was elected President of Lebanon in the 1958 election, being considered a "consensus option" both internationally and locally, and succeeded Chamoun. As President, Chehab is credited for introducing reforms and social development...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abe Saperstein — Contemporary (Born in 1902) (1902): Founder of the Harlem Globetrotters, revolutionized black basketball.
• Albert Anastasia — Contemporary (Born in 1902) (1902): Italian-American mob boss, co-founder of Murder, Inc., and boss of the Gambino crime family.
• Albert Namatjira — Contemporary (Born in 1902) (1902): Pioneering Arrernte painter, famous for Western-influenced watercolour depictions of the Australian outback.
• A. S. Neill — Contemporary (Died in 1973) (1973): Scottish progressive educator, founder of Summerhill, championing self-governance.
• Abebe Bikila — Contemporary (Died in 1973) (1973): Ethiopian Olympic marathon champion, known for his barefoot victories in Rome and Tokyo.
• Adrien Brody — Contemporary (Born in 1973) (1973): Acclaimed American actor known for intense, emotionally charged character portrayals.
• Adalbert Gyrowetz — Shared historical date (03-19 · Died) (1850): Czech-Austrian composer known for symphonies and string quartets.
• Adolf Eichmann — Shared historical date (03-19 · Born) (1906): Nazi SS officer and key organizer of the Holocaust's logistics.
• Al Pacino — Shared historical date (04-25 · Born) (1940): Intense American actor celebrated for his powerful stage and screen performances.
• Albert Uderzo — Shared historical date (04-25 · Born) (1927): Pioneering French comic artist, co-creator of the iconic Astérix series.
• 1902 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1902
• March 19 (03-19) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on March 19
• 1973 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1973
• April 25 (04-25) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on April 25

Frequently Asked Questions about Fouad Chehab