Henri Germain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henri Germain
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| Born | 19 February 1824 Lyon, France
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| Died | 2 February 1905 (aged 80) |
| Occupation | Banker |
| Spouse(s) | Blanche Germain |
| Children | André Germain |
| Parent(s) | Henri Germain Claudine Lupin |
Henri Germain (born February 19, 1824 – died February 2, 1905) was an important French banker and politician. He is most famous for starting Crédit Lyonnais, which grew into one of France's largest banks. He also served in the French government, helping to shape his country's future.
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Henri Germain's Early Life
Henri Germain was born in Lyon, France, on February 19, 1824. His father, also named Henri Germain, was a successful businessman who worked with silk. His mother was Claudine Lupin. Henri studied law and earned a degree. He was interested in a social movement called Saint-Simonianism, which focused on improving society. A man named François Barthélemy Arlès-Dufour became his mentor, guiding him in his early career.
Building a Banking Empire
Henri Germain made a big mark in the world of finance.
- Starting Crédit Lyonnais: On July 6, 1863, he founded Crédit Lyonnais. This was a very important moment because it became the first bank in France to offer savings accounts that paid interest. This meant people could save their money and earn a little extra from the bank.
- Early Supporters: Many of the first people to invest in the bank were followers of Saint-Simonianism, just like Germain. These included well-known figures such as Paulin Talabot, Barthélemy Prosper Enfantin, Arlès-Dufour, and Michel Chevalier.
- Real Estate Ventures: Just two years later, in 1865, Germain started another company called Société Foncière Lyonnaise. This company focused on real estate. In 1892, he led the building of a major street, the Boulevard Carnot, which was first known as the Boulevard de la Foncière-Lyonnaise.
A Life in Politics
Besides his work in banking, Henri Germain was also active in French politics.
- Local Government: From 1871 to 1883, he was a member of the General Council of Ain. This is like a local government body that helps manage a specific area in France.
- National Government: He then served as a member of the National Assembly from 1868 to 1893. The National Assembly is a very important part of the French government, similar to a parliament, where laws are made.
Family and Later Years
Henri Germain was married to Blanche Germain. They lived in a beautiful home called Villa Orangini in Cimiez, a part of Nice. Their son, André Germain, born in 1881, grew up to become a writer.
Henri Germain passed away on February 2, 1905, leaving behind a legacy in both banking and politics in France.
