Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord (1754-1838) was one of the most significant political figures in modern French history. Beginning his career as the cynical bishop of Autun, he went on to become a revolutionary leader, a diplomat, and ultimately, foreign minister under Napoleon I. Despite his reputation as a schemer and backstabber, Talleyrand always claimed to put the national interests of France first, informing his decision to turn against Napoleon. He played a major role in the Congress of Vienna, helping France get the best possible outcome after Napoleon's defeat.
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Timeline
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2 Feb 1754Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord is born in Paris, France.
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1788Talleyrand becomes Bishop of Autun.
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12 Jul 1790The Civil Constitution of the Clergy is passed, making the French Catholic Church subordinate to the French government.
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1794 - 1796Talleyrand lives in exile in the US to escape the Reign of Terror.
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Jul 1797Talleyrand becomes Foreign Minister of France.
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9 Nov 1799Napoleon Bonaparte takes control of the government in the Coup of 18 Brumaire; both the Directory and the French Revolution are ended.
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5 Jun 1806Napoleon names Talleyrand Prince of Benevento.
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Sep 1808 - Oct 1808Congress of Erfurt; Talleyrand begins conspiring against Napoleon.
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1 Apr 1814Talleyrand becomes provisional president of France after the first downfall of Napoleon.
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Sep 1814 - Jun 1815The Congress of Vienna meets to redraw the map of Europe in a post-Napoleonic world.
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17 May 1838Talleyrand dies, at the age of 84.
