Joseph Fouché, Duke of Otranto

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Joseph Fouché, 1st Duc d'Otrante (21 May 1759 – 25 December 1820) was a French statesman and Minister of Police under Napoleon I. In English texts, his title is often translated as Duke of Otranto.

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Joseph Fouche

Duc d'Otrante 1763-1820

Joseph Fouche Napoleon Bonaparte's head of internal security, Joseph Fouche was a former school teacher who put aside the slate for politics.

As a Jacobin member of the Convention, Fouche voted for the death of Louis XVI and then, sensing a change in political fortunes, turned against them.

In 1799, Fouche became Minister of Police and used his increasingly powerful agent network to support the coup of Brumaire.

Despite his assistance, Bonaparte was nervous of Fouche's power and he was removed from office for two years, before being re-employed as security chief.

In 1810, the French emperor discovered Fouche had been having secret talks with foreign powers and eventually sacked him.

Eventually Fouche wormed his way back into semi favour and was given the governorship of Illyria.

After the Bourbon return to power Fouche kept links with Bonaparte, as he then did with the royals during the 100 Days' Campaign.

Following the emperor's final defeat he was president of the commission ruling France and even had a place in government.

Understandably, pro-royalists took offence at a regicide being in power and Fouche quit his post after only a few months.

An intriguer with few equals, Fouche was the ultimate survivor with no obvious morals.

Joseph Fouche

Duc d'Otrante 1763-1820

Joseph Fouché, dit Fouché de Nantes, duc d'Otrante, comte Fouché, est un homme politique français, né le 21 mai 1759 au Pellerin près de Nantes et mort le 26 décembre 1820 à Trieste. Il est particulièrement connu pour la férocité avec laquelle, durant la révolution, il réprima l'insurrection lyonnaise en 1793 et pour avoir été ministre de la Police sous le Directoire, le Consulat et l'Empire.