# Jean-de-Dieu Soult

> Prime Minister of France (1832–1834, 1834–1839, 1840–1847) and French Marshal (born 1769–1851)

**Wikidata**: [Q296023](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q296023)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-de-Dieu_Soult)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jean-de-dieu-soult

## Summary
Jean-de-Dieu Soult was a French military leader and statesman who served as Prime Minister of France (1832–1834, 1834–1839, 1840–1847) and was elevated to the rank of Marshal of the Empire. He is best known for his military career during the Napoleonic Wars, particularly his role in the Peninsular War, and his later political influence during the July Monarchy.

## Biography
- **Born**: March 29, 1769
- **Died**: November 26, 1851
- **Nationality**: French
- **Known for**: Military leadership during the Napoleonic Wars and serving as Prime Minister of France
- **Employer(s)**: French Army, Government of France
- **Field(s)**: Military, Politics

## Contributions
Jean-de-Dieu Soult made significant contributions both militarily and politically:
- **Military Leadership**: Played a crucial role in the Napoleonic Wars, particularly in the Peninsular War (1807–1814), where he commanded French forces in Spain.
- **Political Career**: Served as Prime Minister of France during three separate terms (1832–1834, 1834–1839, 1840–1847), shaping policies during the July Monarchy.
- **Art Collection**: Known for owning notable paintings, including works by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo and Francisco de Zurbarán, such as *The Birth of the Virgin* and *Saint Apollonia*.

## FAQs
**What were Jean-de-Dieu Soult's military achievements?**
Soult was a prominent military leader during the Napoleonic Wars, particularly noted for his command in the Peninsular War. His strategic skills earned him the rank of Marshal of the Empire.

**What political roles did Jean-de-Dieu Soult hold?**
He served as Prime Minister of France during three non-consecutive terms (1832–1834, 1834–1839, 1840–1847), playing a key role in the governance of the July Monarchy.

**What awards and honors did Jean-de-Dieu Soult receive?**
Soult was awarded the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the highest rank of the French Legion of Honour, and was also a recipient of the Royal Order of the Seraphim, a Swedish order of chivalry.

**What is Jean-de-Dieu Soult's legacy in French history?**
Soult is remembered as one of France's most distinguished military leaders and a significant political figure during the July Monarchy. His name is inscribed on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

## Why They Matter
Jean-de-Dieu Soult's military leadership during the Napoleonic Wars significantly influenced the outcomes of key battles, particularly in the Peninsular War. His political career during the July Monarchy helped stabilize France during a period of transition. His legacy is further cemented by his inclusion on the Arc de Triomphe and his ownership of notable artworks, reflecting his cultural influence.

## Notable For
- **Marshal of the Empire**: One of the highest military ranks in the French Empire.
- **Prime Minister of France**: Served three terms during the July Monarchy.
- **Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour**: Highest rank of the French Legion of Honour.
- **Royal Order of the Seraphim**: Recipient of this prestigious Swedish order of chivalry.
- **Name on the Arc de Triomphe**: His name is inscribed on this iconic French monument.
- **Art Collector**: Owned significant paintings by renowned artists like Murillo and Zurbarán.

## Body
### Early Life and Military Career
Jean-de-Dieu Soult was born on March 29, 1769. He began his military career in the French Army and quickly rose through the ranks due to his strategic acumen and leadership skills. During the Napoleonic Wars, Soult became one of Napoleon's most trusted marshals, playing a crucial role in the Peninsular War (1807–1814), where he commanded French forces in Spain.

### Political Career
After the fall of Napoleon, Soult transitioned into politics. He served as Prime Minister of France during three separate terms: 1832–1834, 1834–1839, and 1840–1847. His tenure as Prime Minister was marked by efforts to stabilize the July Monarchy and implement policies that strengthened the French government.

### Awards and Honors
Soult received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He was awarded the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the highest rank of the French Legion of Honour. Additionally, he was a recipient of the Royal Order of the Seraphim, a prestigious Swedish order of chivalry established in 1748.

### Art Collection
Soult was also known for his art collection, which included notable paintings by renowned artists. Some of the works he owned include *The Birth of the Virgin* and *The Immaculate Conception of Los Venerables* by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, as well as *Saint Apollonia* and *Saint Bonaventure's Body Lying in State* by Francisco de Zurbarán.

### Legacy
Jean-de-Dieu Soult's legacy is multifaceted. His military leadership during the Napoleonic Wars earned him a place among France's most distinguished marshals. His political career during the July Monarchy helped shape the governance of France during a critical period. His name is inscribed on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, a testament to his military contributions. Additionally, his art collection reflects his cultural influence and appreciation for the arts.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. CiNii Research
6. [Source](https://francearchives.fr/fr/file/ad46ac22be9df6a4d1dae40326de46d8a5cbd19d/FRSHD_PUB_00000355.pdf)
7. SNAC
8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
9. Soult (Jean de Dieu), Maréchal
10. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
11. GeneaStar
12. Roglo
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013