born June 28, 1719, Lorraine, France
died May 8, 1785, Paris
French foreign minister.
He served with distinction in the War of the Louis XV . In 1761 he concluded a military alliance with Spain (the "Family Compact"), and at the end of the Seven Years' War he negotiated the best terms for a defeated France. He rebuilt France's military strength but was dismissed from office in 1770 for advocating war against Britain.