Career, biography and origin of Etienne Francois de Choiseul

Étienne-François de Choiseul was born on June 28, 1719.

Étienne François de Choiseul, born June 28, 1719, is a prominent figure of the French nobility who gained his fame through his political intelligence and commitment to government. He entered the service of King Louis XV as a gentleman in 1740 and then rose through the ranks at court. His political career really took off when he was appointed Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in 1758. During his tenure, Choiseul sought to restore French influence in Europe and counter British supremacy.

 In particular, he favored the alliance with Austria and supported the independence of the American colonies, thus indirectly supporting the revolutions that would follow. However, his policy of expansion ended up attracting the anger of certain circles of power, leading to his dismissal in 1770. Despite this, Choiseul’s talent and influence marked the history of European diplomacy, making him one of the most famous personalities of his time.

Étienne François de Choiseul, a prominent figure of 18th century France, was a skilled diplomat, statesman, and a well-respected member of the aristocracy. Born in 1719 into a noble family, Choiseul quickly rose through the ranks of French politics and became one of the most influential ministers of King Louis XV. With his sharp intellect and flair for diplomacy, Choiseul was known for his modernizing reforms and strategic alliances. As the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1758 to 1770, Choiseul played a crucial role in shaping France’s relationships with other European powers. He established friendly ties with Austria, formed the Family Compact with Spain, and secretly supported the American colonists during the American Revolution. Choiseul sought to strengthen France’s position both diplomatically and militarily, employing innovative policies that aimed to secure the country’s interests and expand its influence abroad.

 In addition to his diplomatic pursuits, Choiseul was a patron of the arts and sciences. He actively supported literature, music, and the fine arts, becoming an integral figure in the cultural life of the French Enlightenment. His efforts greatly contributed to the development and promotion of French culture, setting the stage for the artistic achievements of the 18th century. Etienne François de Choiseul’s legacy continues to be revered today, as he is remembered as a dynamic and skilled diplomat who helped steer France through a critical period of international relations. His influential reforms and strategic alliances have left an indelible mark on the history of France, making him a celebrated figure in French history.

Étienne François de Choiseul, a famous French statesman of the 18th century, came from a noble family in Burgundy. He was born on June 28, 1719 in Nancy, in a younger branch of the Choiseul-Praslin family. His father, François Joseph de Choiseul-Stainville, was a career soldier and his mother, Françoise de Pouffier, came from a noble family from Lorraine. Étienne François de Choiseul is the fourth of seven children. The Choiseul family has been rooted in the Duchy of Lorraine since the 12th century. She was able to prosper thanks to skillful marital alliances and the opportunities offered by military service. Étienne François’ grandfather, Charles de Choiseul-Stainville, was notably governor of Toul and field marshal. 

Raised in an aristocratic and cultured environment, Étienne François de Choiseul quickly distinguished himself by his intellectual talents and his careful education. He studied law in Paris and entered the diplomatic service in 1737. His political career experienced a meteoric rise, in particular because of his links with the future mistress of King Louis XV, Madame de Pompadour. The marriage of Étienne François de Choiseul with Louise Honorine Crozat, heiress to the Marquis de Meuze and Taupont, also ensured him a prestigious position among the high French nobility. This union allowed him to access titles of nobility and a considerable fortune, thus consolidating his rise within society. Étienne François de Choiseul thus managed to rise to the position of Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in 1758, where he would exercise notable political influence until his disgrace in 1770.