Habib Bourguiba

3 August 1903 – 6 April 2000

Habib Bourguiba was a Tunisian statesman who led the country to independence from France and served as its first president. He modernized Tunisia with secular reforms, notably expanding women's rights, before being deposed in 1987.

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Lived at the same time

Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Habib Bourguiba.

Life events

Born in Monastir
3 August 1903

Born in the coastal town of Monastir in the French protectorate of Tunisia.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Studied law in Paris
1924 – 1927

Earned degrees in law and political science at the University of Paris.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Founded the Neo Destour party
2 March 1934

Established the Neo Destour party to lead the Tunisian nationalist movement against French rule.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Imprisoned by French authorities
1938 – 1955

Was repeatedly jailed and exiled by the French for his nationalist activities.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Led Tunisia to independence
20 March 1956

Negotiated Tunisia's independence from France and became prime minister.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Enacted the Code of Personal Status
13 August 1956

Promulgated reforms that expanded women's rights, banned polygamy, and modernized family law.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Became first president of Tunisia
25 July 1957

Became president after the abolition of the monarchy and the proclamation of the republic.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Deposed in a bloodless coup
7 November 1987

Removed from the presidency by his prime minister Zine El Abidine Ben Ali on grounds of ill health.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Death in Monastir
6 April 2000

Died in his hometown of Monastir, where he was buried in a mausoleum.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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