Anticommunism in French Society and Politics, 1945-1953

Anticommunism was widespread and deeply rooted in French society and politics from 1945 to 1953, affecting various social groups and organizations. This study identifies common discourses and aims, such as portraying communism as a threat to the nation, the colonial empire, the traditional family, private property, religion, the rural world, and Western civilization. It concludes that anticommunism drew its strength from the connection between communism and perceived negative social changes, interacting with the postwar international and domestic environment, and the personal experiences of individual anticommunists.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Anticommunism in French Society and Politics, 1945-1953 delves into the prevalence of anticommunism among the French population during the post-World War II era, spanning from 1945 to 1953. Through a series of case studies on various segments of French society, the book aims to examine the causes, characteristics, and consequences of anticommunism. These segments include the scouting movement, family organizations, agricultural associations, middle-class groups, trade unions, and other working-class organizations.

Aaron Clift, the author of the book, argues that anticommunism was more widespread and deeply rooted than previously believed, exerting a substantial impact on national politics and these social groups and organizations. Furthermore, he contends that studying anticommunism provides valuable insights into the values that these groups held as essential to defend.

While anticommunism manifested as a diverse phenomenon, this work identifies common discourses that permeated the anticommunist discourse. These discourses include portrayals of communism as a threat to the nation, the colonial empire, the traditional family, private property, religion, the rural world, and Western civilization. Additionally, common aims and tactics emerge, such as the rehabilitation of wartime collaborators and the invocation of apoliticism. While acknowledging the significance of the Cold War, the book challenges the notion that anticommunism was an American import or foreign to French society. It demonstrates the interconnectedness of anticommunism with anti-Americanism, highlighting the interplay between anticommunism and other ideologies and movements of the time.

In conclusion, Anticommunism in French Society and Politics, 1945-1953 offers a comprehensive examination of anticommunism in France during the post-World War II era. Through its case studies and analysis, the book sheds light on the prevalence, causes, characteristics, and consequences of anticommunism, providing valuable insights into the complex social and political landscape of the time.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198886785