Gallieni, Joseph Simon

Gallieni, Joseph Simon (1849-1916), French soldier and colonial administrator, born in St-Béat, and educated at the military academy of St-Cyr. From 1877 until 1881 Gallieni participated in the explorations and military campaigns in the upper Niger region that resulted in the extension of French influence in west Africa. In 1886, after three years in Martinique, he became governor of Upper Senegal. In 1896, when Madagascar became a French colony, Gallieni was military commander. He was then appointed governor-general of the island, and retained that post until 1905. He established firm French control of Madagascar and instituted a programme of economic development. On his return to France he was appointed general of a division and in 1906 was appointed military governor of Lyon. At the beginning of World War I, Gallieni was chosen to head the military government of Paris. He is credited with persuading General Joffre to attack the Germans on the line of the Ourcq River in the first Battle of the Marne. During that battle Gallieni dispatched several thousand troops from Paris, using every available means of transport, including taxicabs, to reinforce the army of General Maunoury. For this action, which resulted in the repulse of the German right flank under General Alexander von Kluck, Gallieni was called the saviour of Paris. In 1915 he was made minister of war in the Cabinet of Prime Minister Aristide Briand, but ill health caused him to resign shortly before his death in 1916. The title of marshal was awarded posthumously to Gallieni in 1921.