Quick Facts
French president who succeeded de Gaulle, modernized France's economy and culture, championed modern art, and built the iconic Centre Pompidou while dying slowly of a hidden illness.
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Life Journey
Born Georges Jean Raymond Pompidou on July 5, 1911, in a small village in the Auvergne. His father and grandfather were both teachers. The brilliant boy would exceed all provincial expectations.
Entered the elite École Normale Supérieure, France's premier institution for future academics and intellectuals. Studied literature, developed his lifelong love of poetry and modern art.
Passed the agrégation, the competitive examination for senior teachers. Began teaching literature at the lycée level. His anthology of French poetry would remain in print for decades.
After the Liberation, joined General de Gaulle's staff. The professor entered the world of power. He would serve de Gaulle, in various capacities, for the next twenty-five years.
Joined the Rothschild bank, eventually becoming director general. The academic proved equally adept at high finance. His banking years made him wealthy and connected.
De Gaulle returned to power and created the Fifth Republic. Pompidou helped draft the new constitution. His influence grew as he shuttled between banking and government service.
Appointed Prime Minister by de Gaulle. The professor-banker now ran the government. He would serve longer than any prime minister in French history - six years and two months.
Navigated the May 1968 crisis with pragmatic skill. While de Gaulle panicked and fled to Germany, Pompidou negotiated with unions and restored order. His calm under pressure was noted.
Dismissed as Prime Minister in July 1968, perhaps because de Gaulle resented his success during May. Pompidou entered the wilderness - but not for long.
Elected President of France after de Gaulle resigned following a failed referendum. The successor had become the master. A new era began.
Launched ambitious modernization of France: autoroutes, telecommunications, nuclear power, aerospace. The France of TGV and Airbus began under Pompidou.
Announced the creation of a revolutionary cultural center in the heart of Paris. The design by Piano and Rogers shocked traditionalists. Pompidou defended it passionately.
His illness - Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, a rare blood cancer - began to show. Pompidou hid his condition, continuing to govern even as his face swelled from treatment.
Governed through the oil crisis of 1973 while visibly declining. His puffy face and slow movements fueled speculation, but he never admitted his illness. The presidency came first.
Georges Pompidou died on April 2, 1974, two years before his term would have ended. The Centre Pompidou, opened in 1977, became his monument. The professor-president left France transformed.