# Paul Doumer

> French statesman (1857–1932)

**Wikidata**: [Q12680](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12680)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Doumer)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/paul-doumer

## Summary
Paul Doumer was a French statesman (1857–1932) who served as the President of France from 1931 until his death in 1932. He is best known for his role in establishing the Fifth Republic and his leadership during a critical period of French political and diplomatic history. Doumer was also a founding member of the Académie des sciences d'outre-mer and played a key role in French colonial and academic institutions.

## Biography
- Born: March 22, 1857, in Paris, France
- Nationality: French
- Education: Studied at the Conservatoire national des Arts et Métiers and the École française d'Extrême-Orient
- Known for: Founding the École française d'Extrême-Orient and serving as President of France
- Employer(s): Académie des sciences d'outre-mer, Conservatoire national des Arts et Métiers
- Field(s): Political science, colonial administration, higher education

## Contributions
- **École française d'Extrême-Orient**: Founded in 1898 as the *Mission archéologique d'Indo-Chine*, later renamed the École française d'Extrême-Orient (EFEO), an institution dedicated to the study of Asian societies. Doumer established it to explore and document the cultural heritage of Indochina, contributing to archaeology, history, and anthropology.
- **Presidency of France**: Served as President from 1931 until his death in 1932, overseeing the transition to the Fifth Republic and maintaining France's role in international affairs.
- **Legion of Honour**: Awarded the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour for his contributions to French governance and diplomacy.

## FAQs
**What was Paul Doumer's most significant political role?**
Paul Doumer served as the President of France from 1931 until his death in 1932, a period marked by the establishment of the Fifth Republic and critical diplomatic engagements.

**Where did Paul Doumer study?**
He studied at the Conservatoire national des Arts et Métiers and the École française d'Extrême-Orient, where he contributed to the institution's founding and development.

**What awards did Paul Doumer receive?**
He was awarded the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the Order of the Star of Anjouan, and the Knight of the Order of the Elephant.

## Why They Matter
Paul Doumer's presidency marked a pivotal moment in French political history, shaping the transition to the Fifth Republic. His leadership during a turbulent period underscored France's strategic and diplomatic influence. Additionally, his founding of the École française d'Extrême-Orient ensured continued scholarly engagement with Asian cultures, contributing to global academic and colonial knowledge.

## Notable For
- **Founding the EFEO**: Established the École française d'Extrême-Orient in 1898, a leading institution for Asian studies.
- **Presidency of France**: Served as President from 1931 to 1932, overseeing the Fifth Republic's establishment.
- **Legion of Honour**: Awarded the Grand Cross for his contributions to French governance.
- **Order of the Star of Anjouan**: Recognized for his diplomatic and colonial service.
- **Knight of the Order of the Elephant**: Honored by Denmark for his international standing.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
- Born on March 22, 1857, in Paris, France.
- Studied at the Conservatoire national des Arts et Métiers, where he developed foundational skills in engineering and technical education.
- Enrolled at the École française d'Extrême-Orient, which he helped establish in 1898, focusing on the study of Asian societies.

### Career and Institutional Founding
- **École française d'Extrême-Orient**: Founded the institution as the *Mission archéologique d'Indo-Chine* in 1898, later renamed EFEO. The school became a cornerstone for archaeological and historical research in Asia.
- **Académie des sciences d'outre-mer**: Served as a founding member, contributing to the advancement of scientific research in French overseas territories.

### Political Leadership
- **Presidency of France**: Elected President in 1931, serving until his death in 1932. His presidency was marked by the establishment of the Fifth Republic and critical diplomatic engagements.
- **International Relations**: Maintained France's role as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and a key player in European and global politics.

### Awards and Recognition
- **Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour**: Awarded for his contributions to French governance and diplomacy.
- **Order of the Star of Anjouan**: Recognized for his diplomatic and colonial service.
- **Knight of the Order of the Elephant**: Honored by Denmark for his international standing.

### Legacy
- **Academic Influence**: The École française d'Extrême-Orient continues to be a leading institution in Asian studies, preserving Doumer's legacy of scholarly engagement.
- **Political Impact**: His presidency laid the groundwork for the Fifth Republic, shaping France's political and diplomatic trajectory in the early 20th century.

## References

1. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
2. Integrated Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. senat.fr
5. [Source](https://www.legiondhonneur.fr/fr/actualites/les-insignes-de-lordre-de-lelephant-demmanuel-macron-deposes-au-musee/1774/2)
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. CiNii Research
9. [Source](https://www.siv.archives-nationales.culture.gouv.fr/siv/POG/FRAN_POG_05/p-6c486kkd1--1tik8khdlee1c)
10. Sycomore
11. Léonore database
12. SNAC
13. Find a Grave
14. GeneaStar
15. Roglo
16. Babelio
17. Proleksis Encyclopedia
18. Croatian Encyclopedia
19. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
20. La France savante
21. [Source](http://www.librarything.fr/author/doumerpaul)