Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Pierre Laval

Role / Field:

French politician who served as Prime Minister multiple times, known for his complex political career.

Born:

1883-06-28

Died:

1945-10-15

Century / Era:

1883s Historical Era

Database Source:

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

Origins & Early Life

Pierre Jean Marie Laval (French: [pjɛʁ laval]; 28 June 1883 – 15 October 1945) was a French politician. He served as Prime Minister of France three times: 1931–1932 and 1935–1936 during the Third Republic, and 1942–1944 during Vichy France. After the war, Laval was tried as a Nazi collaborator and executed for treason. A socialist early in his life, Laval became a lawyer in 1909 and was famous for his defence of strikers, trade unionists and leftists from government prosecution.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In 1914, he was elected to the Chamber of Deputies as a member of the French Section of the Workers' International (SFIO), and he remained committed to his pacifist convictions during the First World War. After his defeat in the 1919 election, Laval left the SFIO and became mayor of Aubervilliers. In 1924 he returned to the Chamber as an independent, and was elected to the Senate three years later. He also held a series of governmental positions, including Minister of Public Works, Minister of Justice and Minister of Labour. In 1931, Laval became prime minister, but his government fell only a year later.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Laval joined the conservative government of Gaston Doumergue in 1934 and served as Minister of the Colonies...

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Frequently Asked Questions about Pierre Laval