Decazes and of Glucksberg, Élie, duke

(1780-1860)

   political figure

   Born in Saint-Martin-de-Laye, Élie, duke Decazes and of Glucksberg, was an attorney in Libourne, judge for the tribunal of the Seine (1806), then adviser in the cabinet of louis bonaparte, king of Holland (1807). In 1814, he went over to the Bourbons, was named prefect and minister of police, replacing joseph fouché. Of liberal constitutionalist tendencies, he quickly became adviser to louis XV III and, after the fall of the duke of richelieu cabinet, served as the effective head of government (1818-20). Seeking the support of the moderates, who favored a more equitable social order, Decazes reversed the majority in the upper chamber by naming 60 new peers (1819), removed Ultra prefects from office, and tried to gain support for liberal policies (in particular in the area of freedom of the press in March 1819). After the partial reconstituting of the Chamber of Deputies in favor of the Independents, he tried to work from behind the scenes but could not bring the ultras over to his side. He was forced to resign after the assassination of the duke of berry (February 1820), and was replaced by the duke of Richelieu. Made a duke and peer of France, Decazes in 1830 supported louis-Philippe, but after that, he concerned himself mainly with farming and industry, establishing the Decazes forges in Aveyron.