When was François Mitterrand born and where did he grow up?
François Maurice Adrien Marie Mitterrand was born on the 26th of October 1916 in Jarnac, Charente. His family was devoutly Catholic and conservative.
Questions about François Mitterrand
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What happened to François Mitterrand during World War II?
François Mitterrand served as a Sergeant-chief at the Maginot line until his capture by Germans on the 21st of June 1940. He escaped from Stalag IX A multiple times before hiding in a hospital sheltered by nurse Marie Baron and crossing the border near Chamblay on the 16th of December 1943.
How many terms did François Mitterrand serve as President of France?
François Mitterrand served two terms as President of France from 1981 to 1995. He became the first socialist President of the Fifth Republic on the 10th of May 1981 and left office after the 1995 presidential election won by Jacques Chirac.
Why is the Rainbow Warrior incident significant to François Mitterrand's presidency?
French agents sank the Greenpeace-owned vessel Rainbow Warrior docked in Auckland New Zealand on July 1985 while protesting nuclear tests. The event led to the resignation of Defence Minister Charles Hernu and resulted in France paying $8.16m reparations to Greenpeace and NZ$13m to the New Zealand Government.
What major treaties were signed during François Mitterrand's time in office?
François Mitterrand worked with Helmut Kohl to father the Maastricht Treaty which was signed on the 7th of February 1992. This treaty established the European Union and included provisions for German reunification and the adoption of the Euro.