(19 November 1805 - 7 December 1894) Versailles, French Empire French diplomat and later developer of the Suez Canal Ferdinand Marie, Viscount de Lesseps Family background The de Lesseps family traces its history back to the XIV century, among his ancestors were Scottish, Spanish, and French aristocrats. His father, Mathieu de Lesseps, was in the consular service; his mother, Catherine de Grevigne, is Spanish maternal. Образование Люди, повлиявшие на становление личности He had a sister, Adelaide de Lesseps and two brothers, Theodore de Lesseps and Jules de Lesseps. 2 Early life Education 2 He spent his first years in Italy, where his father performed his consular duties. He was educated at the Henri IV College in Paris. From 18 to 20 years he worked in the commissariat of the army. From 1825 to 1827 he was assistant Vice-Consul at Lisbon. Описание значимого события 3 Qualities that make a person's character Disappointed with politics and diplomacy, Lesseps returned to France and settled with his family on his estate, La Chenet. Four years later, two tragic events occurred: within a short period of time, scarlet fever claimed the lives of the viscount's two sons and his beloved wife. This clearly speaks to strength of character, determination and wisdom. 4 Inventions In 1859-1869 he supervised the construction of the Suek Canal of this canal. The successful completion of the construction and the opening of the canal brought him welldeserved fame: Lesseps became a member of many scientific societies, a monument was erected to him in Port Said, it was Lesseps who represented France at the ceremony of handing over to the Americans and opening the Statue of Liberty. 5 Recognition and memory Albert Medal (1865) Order of the Legion of Honor (1869) Honorary Fellow of the English Royal Society (1875) member of the French Academy (1884) honorary foreign member of the Russian Imperial Geographical SocietyIn honor of Lesseps, a square in Barcelona and a metro station are named, as well as Lessepsian animal migrations. 6 He had 17 children from two marriages. His last child, daughter Gisela, was born in 1885, when he was 80 years old.He died at the age of 90 and was buried in the Pere Lachaise cemetery. The tomb stands at one of the crossroads with other large family tombs. 7 Thank you for the attention! 8
