Assassination in Vichy: Marx Dormoy and the Struggle for the Soul of France

Assassination in Vichy tells the story of Marx Dormoys murder and the investigation that followed, revealing the highest echelons of the Vichy regime's involvement. It explores the development of far-right political movements, domestic terrorism, and the importance of courage, offering a microhistory that sheds light on Frances deep political divisions, wartime choices, and post-war memory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2020
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

During the night of July 25, 1941, assassins planted a time bomb in the bed of Marx Dormoy, a former French Interior Minister. The explosion on the following morning launched a two-year investigation that traced Dormoys murder to the highest echelons of the Vichy regime. Dormoy, who had led a 1937 investigation into the "Cagoule," a violent right-wing terrorist organization, was the victim of a captivating revenge plot. Based on the meticulous examination of thousands of documents, Assassination in Vichy tells the story of Dormoys murder and the investigation that followed.

At the heart of this book lies a true crime that was sensational in its day. A microhistory that tells a larger and more significant story about the development of far-right political movements, domestic terrorism, and the importance of courage, Assassination in Vichy explores the impact of France's deep political divisions, wartime choices, and post-war memory.

The assassination of Marx Dormoy was a shocking event that rocked the nation and left a lasting impact on French history. Dormoy, a prominent figure in the French political landscape, had been involved in a 1937 investigation into the "Cagoule," a violent right-wing terrorist organization. His work had exposed the group's activities and led to their eventual dismantling.

However, Dormoys involvement in the investigation had made him a target for those who opposed his work. On the night of July 25, 1941, assassins planted a time bomb in his bed, killing him instantly. The explosion caused widespread panic and fear throughout France, and the investigation that followed was one of the most complex and controversial in French history.

The investigation was led by a team of investigators from the French police and the judiciary. They worked tirelessly to uncover the truth behind the assassination and to bring those responsible to justice. The investigation was hampered by a number of factors, including the lack of evidence and the political climate of the time.

One of the key figures in the investigation was a young journalist named Jean-Paul Sartre. Sartre had been a close friend of Dormoys and had been deeply affected by his death. He was determined to uncover the truth behind the assassination and to bring those responsible to justice.

Sartre's investigation led him to a number of surprising discoveries. He discovered that the assassination had been planned by a group of former members of the "Cagoule" who were seeking revenge against Dormoys for his work. The group had been led by a man named Pierre Bonny, who had been a member of the "Cagoule" during the 1930s.

Bonny had been arrested and sentenced to death for his role in the 1937 investigation, but he had managed to escape from prison. He had then formed a new group of terrorists who were determined to kill Dormoys and to bring down the Vichy regime.

Sartre's investigation also revealed that the Vichy regime had been complicit in the assassination. The regime had been aware of Bonny's plans and had failed to take action to prevent them. This was a major blow to the regime's credibility and to its ability to maintain control over France.

Despite the challenges that the investigation faced, Sartre and his team were able to uncover the truth behind the assassination. They were able to identify Bonny and his accomplices and to bring them to justice. Bonny was sentenced to death and executed in 1942.

The assassination of Marx Dormoy had a profound impact on French society. It highlighted the dangers of far-right political movements and the importance of vigilance and justice. It also led to a renewed focus on the importance of democracy and human rights in France.

In conclusion, Assassination in Vichy is a fascinating and important book that tells the story of Marx Dormoys assassination and the investigation that followed. It explores the impact of France's deep political divisions, wartime choices, and post-war memory and highlights the importance of courage and justice in a society. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in French history or in the fight against far-right political movements.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 151 x 227 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487588366