Gallieni, Joseph-Simon

(1849-1916)

   military figure, administrator

   Born in Saint-Béat and educated at saint-cyr, Joseph-Simon Gallieni saw his first military service in the franco-prussian war (1870-71). From 1877 to 1881, he participated in the military campaign and exploration of the upper Niger River region that resulted in the extension of French influence in western Africa. After three years in Martinique, Gallieni became governor of Upper Senegal (1886) and later (1896) served as a military commander in Madagascar, where he then served as governor-general until 1905. There, he reestablished French control and instituted a program of economic development. on his return to France, he was made a general, and soon (1906), military governor of lyon. At the beginning of World War I, he was chosen to lead the military government of Paris (1914). General Gallieni played a decisive role in the battle of the marne (September 1914), during the course of which he organized the transporting of French troops to the front by taxis and other means, and he was credited with saving Paris. He served as minister of war (1915-16) in the cabinet of Prime Minister aristide briand and was awarded the title marshal of France posthumously in 1921. Gallieni described his life and military and administrative career in his writings.