Charles Maurice de Talleyrand

Talleyrand was ordained as Bishop of Autun, despite his reputation for skepticism and libertine behavior. His ecclesiastical position gave him a platform in the Estates-General of 1789.

As a member of the National Assembly, Talleyrand proposed the confiscation of Church lands to address France's financial crisis. The proposal led to the Civil Constitution of the Clergy and his excommunication.

Talleyrand fled France during the Reign of Terror and lived in exile in the United States until 1796. He engaged in land speculation and wrote about American politics.

Talleyrand was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs by Napoleon Bonaparte after the Coup of 18 Brumaire. He served as Napoleon's chief diplomat, negotiating treaties and shaping French foreign policy.

Talleyrand negotiated the Treaty of Amiens with Britain, which temporarily ended the Napoleonic Wars. The treaty brought a brief peace but collapsed within a year due to mutual distrust.

As Napoleon's empire collapsed, Talleyrand negotiated with the Allies to restore the Bourbon monarchy. He served as foreign minister under Louis XVIII and represented France at the Congress of Vienna.

Talleyrand represented defeated France at the Congress of Vienna. He skillfully exploited divisions among the Allies to secure lenient terms for France, including maintaining its 1792 borders.