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Questions about Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When was Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord born and where?

Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord entered the world on the 2nd of February 1754 in Paris. He was born into an ancient aristocratic family that lacked significant wealth.

Why did Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord enter the clergy instead of inheriting his father's title?

The boy suffered from a congenital clubfoot that prevented him from inheriting his father's title despite being the eldest surviving son. The disability made armed service impossible so the Church became his career.

What role did Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord play at the Congress of Vienna between 1814 and 1815?

Talleyrand negotiated a favorable settlement for France at the Congress of Vienna between 1814 and 1815. He formed a secret treaty with Metternich and Castlereagh on the 3rd of January 1815 against Russia and Prussia to allow France to return to its 1792 boundaries without reparations.

How did Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord die and what happened shortly before his death?

On the 16th of May 1838 he signed a retraction of errors towards the church before dying the next day. Near the end of his life he became interested in Catholicism again while teaching prayers.

Did Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord have any legitimate children during his lifetime?

He left no legitimate children though possibly fathered over two dozen illegitimate ones. Four possible children have been identified including Charles Joseph comte de Flahaut.