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Marshal Soult

French politician

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Nicolas-Jean de Dieu Soult (1769–1851) was a prominent French military leader and politician. He was known for his bravery in battle and his political adaptability. Soult enlisted in the army in 1785 and rose through the ranks, becoming a general during the French Revolution.

Under Napoleon, Soult was made a marshal of France in 1804 and played a key role in victories at Ulm, Austerlitz, and Jena. He later commanded French forces in the Peninsular War against Arthur Wellesley, the future duke of Wellington. After Napoleon's abdication, Soult served in various political roles, including as minister of war and president of the council under King Louis-Philippe. He was instrumental in the French conquest of Algeria in the 1840s. Soult's Mémories were published posthumously.12

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