Guillaume Dubois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence Guillaume Dubois OSB |
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| Cardinal, Archbishop of Cambrai | |
Cardinal Guillaume Dubois by Hyacinthe Rigaud (1723)
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| Church | Roman Catholic Church |
| Archdiocese | Cambrai |
| Province | Lille |
| Metropolis | Lille |
| Appointed | 6 May 1720 |
| Reign ended | 10 August 1723 |
| Predecessor | Joseph-Emmanuel de La Trémoille |
| Successor | Charles de Saint-Albin |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 25 February 1720 (deacon) 3 March 1720 (priest) |
| Consecration | 9 June 1720 (bishop) by Armand de Rohan |
| Created Cardinal | 16 July 1721 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 6 September 1656 Brive-la-Gaillarde, Limousin, France |
| Died | 10 August 1723 (aged 66) Versailles, France |
| Buried | Saint-Roch, Paris |
| Nationality | French |
| Profession | Clergyman, politician |
| Education | Christian Doctrine Fathers |
Guillaume Dubois (born September 6, 1656 – died August 10, 1723) was an important French cardinal and statesman. He played a key role in French politics during the early 18th century.
Contents
Life and Career
Early Life and Education
Guillaume Dubois was born in Brive-la-Gaillarde, a town in the Limousin region of France. His father was a doctor. Dubois received his education at a school run by the Christian Doctrine Fathers in Brive. At just 13 years old, he received the tonsure, which was a step towards becoming a clergyman.
In 1672, Dubois received a scholarship to study at the College of St. Michel in Paris. The head of the college, Abbé Antoine Faure, helped Dubois throughout his early career. Faure eventually helped him get a job as a tutor to the young Duke of Chartres. This duke later became Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, who would serve as the Regent of France.
Rising to Power
Dubois became a favorite of King Louis XIV by helping to arrange the marriage of his student, the Duke of Chartres, to Françoise-Marie de Bourbon. She was a daughter of the king. For this service, Dubois was given the abbey of St. Just.
He even joined his student at the Battle of Steenkerque, showing bravery. Later, he worked at the French embassy in London. When the Duke of Orléans became the Regent of France in 1715, Dubois, who had been his secretary, was made a state councilor. Slowly, Dubois gained more and more power in the French government.
Foreign Policy and Alliances
Dubois' main goal in foreign policy was to keep the peace that had been established by the peace of Utrecht treaty. He worked hard to prevent new wars in Europe. He strongly opposed Cardinal Alberoni of Spain, who wanted to expand Spain's power.
To counter Alberoni's plans, Dubois suggested forming an alliance with Britain. Despite many challenges, he successfully negotiated the Triple Alliance (1717) in 1717. This alliance helped maintain peace in Europe. In 1719, France sent armies into Spain as part of the Quadruple Alliance. This action forced Spain to dismiss Alberoni, further securing peace.
Becoming a Cardinal
Dubois wanted to become the Archbishop of Cambrai, which was a very wealthy position in the church. He also aimed to become a Cardinal. Being a cardinal would give him a very high rank and more power in the French government.
After long talks with Pope Clement XI, Dubois was made a cardinal by Pope Innocent XIII in 1721. His appointment as cardinal was very expensive for France. The next year, in August 1722, he was named the First Minister of France. He also became a member of the Académie Française, a famous French institution.
Later Life and Death
When King Louis XV became old enough to rule in 1723, Dubois remained the chief minister. He had gained a lot of personal wealth during his time in power. However, his health was poor. He died in Versailles on August 10, 1723.
Even though he had rivals who criticized him, Dubois helped create a period of peace in Europe. This peace lasted for about 25 years, with only a few small military actions.
Images for kids
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Guillaume Dubois's signature
See also
In Spanish: Guillermo Dubois para niños
