Hitler's Refugees and the French Response, 1933-1938

Julius Fein explores how France responded to the influx of German refugees between 1933 and 1938, balancing the Republican canon of aiding persecuted individuals with economic, social, and political factors.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 322 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Julius Fein delves into the intricate and multifaceted response of the French government to the influx of German refugees between 1933 and 1938. Through his comprehensive analysis, Fein sheds light on the complex interplay of factors that shaped the French response, navigating a delicate balance between the Republican canon, which emphasized the duty of France to assist persecuted individuals, and the various constraints that hindered their willingness to welcome refugees.

The economic depression of the 1930s, characterized by widespread unemployment and financial instability, posed a significant obstacle to the French government's ability to accommodate large numbers of refugees. The strain on public resources and the fear of economic contagion led to resistance and opposition within French society, particularly among those who were already marginalized or facing economic hardship.

Anti-Semitism, a deeply rooted prejudice in French society, also played a significant role in shaping the French response to the refugee crisis. Many French citizens, influenced by historical anti-Jewish sentiments and the rise of fascism in Europe, viewed the influx of German refugees with suspicion and hostility. This anti-Semitic sentiment fueled discrimination and hostility towards the refugees, further complicating their integration into French society.

Furthermore, anti-German sentiment, fueled by the aftermath of World War I and the rise of **** Germany, further complicated the French response. The memory of the horrors of the war and the fear of a resurgence of German aggression led to a widespread sense of apprehension and hostility towards the refugees. This anti-German sentiment was often expressed in public discourse, media coverage, and political rhetoric, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the refugees.

Despite these obstacles, the French government did attempt to find a compromise between the Republican canon and the practical realities of the refugee crisis. The Quai d'Orsay, the French foreign ministry, played a pivotal role in negotiations with other European countries and international organizations to facilitate the resettlement of German refugees. However, these efforts were often hindered by political considerations, national interests, and the complex dynamics of the international refugee system.

In conclusion, Julius Fein's examination of the French response to the large number of German refugees between 1933 and 1938 provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex factors that shaped this historical episode. The French government faced a formidable challenge in accommodating these refugees, navigating a delicate balance between humanitarian principles and the practical realities of economic depression, anti-Semitism, and anti-German sentiment. While efforts were made to find a compromise, the challenges faced by the refugees remained significant, highlighting the ongoing struggle for refugee rights and the importance of compassion and understanding in responding to humanitarian crises.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793622303