Charles Louis Auguste Fouquet, duc de Belle-Isle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Louis Auguste Fouquet
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Portrait by Maurice Quentin de La Tour exhibited at the Salon of 1748
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| 29th Secretary of State for War | |
| In office 3 March 1758 – 26 January 1761 |
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| Monarch | Louis XV |
| Preceded by | Marc-René de Voyer, marquis de Paulmy |
| Succeeded by | Étienne François, duc de Choiseul |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 22 September 1684 Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Belle-Isle, France |
| Died | 26 January 1761 (aged 76) |
| Relations | Louis Charles Armand Fouquet (brother) |
| Awards |  Order of the Holy Spirit Order of the Golden Fleece |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of France |
| Branch/service | French Royal Army |
| Rank | Marshal of France |
| Battles/wars | War of the Spanish Succession War of the Quadruple Alliance War of the Polish Succession War of the Austrian Succession Seven Years' War |
Charles Louis Auguste Fouquet, Duke of Belle-Isle (born September 22, 1684 – died January 26, 1761), was an important French general and a smart leader. He served France during a time when Europe saw many wars. He was known for his military skills and for helping to shape France's plans in Europe. Later in his life, he became a top government official, working to improve the French army.
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A Life of Service
Charles Louis Auguste Fouquet was born in Villefranche-de-Rouergue, France. His grandfather, Nicolas Fouquet, had been a finance minister to King Louis XIV. Charles wanted to bring honor back to his family. He joined the army when he was young.
Early Military Career
Belle-Isle quickly moved up the ranks. In 1708, he became a colonel in a dragoon regiment. He fought in the War of the Spanish Succession. By 1718, he was a Maréchal de Camp, a high military rank. He also took part in battles during the War of the Quadruple Alliance. These included the capture of Fuenterrabía and San Sebastián.
Rising Influence
With help from Cardinal Fleury, a powerful French leader, Belle-Isle became a lieutenant-général. He started to have a big say in France's military plans. During the War of the Polish Succession, he led troops under Marshal Berwick. He helped capture Trier and Traben-Trarbach. He also took part in the Siege of Philippsburg in 1734.
When peace came in 1736, King Louis XV gave Belle-Isle control of three important fortresses: Metz, Toul, and Verdun. He held these positions until he died. This was a reward for his military service. It also recognized his role in getting Lorraine to become part of France.
A Key Adviser
Belle-Isle's reputation as a military and political expert grew. He became one of the king's main advisers. In 1741, he went to Frankfurt, Germany, as a French diplomat. His goal was to reorganize the old Holy Roman Empire. He especially wanted to help Charles Albert of Bavaria become emperor.
France and Austria had been rivals for a long time. Belle-Isle became a key leader for those in France who wanted to challenge Austria. He pushed for France to get involved in Germany. This led to the start of the War of the Austrian Succession.
Challenges and Retreat
In 1741, Belle-Isle was made a Marshal of France. He was given command of a large army. France had some early victories, including Charles Albert becoming Holy Roman Emperor. However, the war soon became difficult for France. Belle-Isle faced many setbacks and losses.
One reason for these difficulties was that Frederick the Great of Prussia left the war early. This left Belle-Isle's army facing a much larger Austrian force. Despite the tough situation, Belle-Isle showed great skill during the French retreat from Prague.
He led 14,000 men through a difficult forest. They were chased by enemy cavalry and faced many hardships. But he managed to reach safety, losing 1500 men. His officer, François de Chevert, defended Prague with 5000 men. The Austrians allowed them to leave the city honorably.
Later Career and Reforms
After the Prague campaign, Belle-Isle faced some criticism. He was even captured by the English and held for a year. But he continued to serve France. In 1746–47, he commanded forces at the Alpine border. His younger brother, the Chevalier de Belle-Isle, fought under him. Sadly, his brother was killed in the Battle of Assietta.
Despite this loss, Belle-Isle managed to push back an Austrian and Italian invasion. He regained his military reputation. In 1748, he was made a Peer of France. In 1758, King Louis XV made him Secretary of State for War. He held this important job until his death in 1761.
Improving the Army
As Secretary of War, Belle-Isle worked hard to improve the French army. He saw that the officers needed better training. He started a French military school for officers. He also stopped the practice of very young nobles buying officer positions. He created an Order of Merit to reward good service.
These changes aimed to make the army more about skill and honor, like the Prussian army. However, the Seven Years' War was already happening. Some historians believe his efforts came too late to fully change the war's outcome.
A Patron of Arts and Cities
Belle-Isle was also interested in literature. He became a member of the French National Academy in 1740. In 1760, he founded the National Academy of Metz. He is also remembered as a "builder-ruler" for the city of Metz.
He helped modernize the center of Metz. He hired architect Jacques-François Blondel to improve the town square. They built the city hall, the parliament, and a guardhouse. He also oversaw the building of royal palaces and the opera house of Metz. He called it "one of France's most beautiful opera-theaters." Just before he died, he said, "The city of Metz is my mistress."
Belle-Isle's only son had died in battle in 1758. Because of this, his dukedom over Metz ended when he passed away. Today, a special plaque honors him at the opera house in Metz.
