Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord (1754-1838) was one of the most significant political figures in modern French history. Beginning his career as the cynical bishop of Autun, he went on to become a revolutionary leader, a diplomat, and ultimately, foreign minister under Napoleon I. Despite his reputation as a schemer and backstabber, Talleyrand always claimed to put the national interests of France first, informing his decision to turn against Napoleon. He played a major role in the Congress of Vienna, helping France get the best possible outcome after Napoleon's defeat.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original definition at https://www.worldhistory.org/Charles-Maurice_de_Talleyrand-Perigord/.
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