Reinventing French Aid: The Politics of Humanitarian Relief in French-Occupied Germany, 1945-1952

During the occupation of Germany, French politics of national recovery and Cold War rivalries influenced humanitarian aid. Laure Humbert's research shows how French officials, relief workers, defeated Germans, and Displaced Persons interacted, shaping relief practices and addressing the gendering of rehabilitation. She highlights different cultures of rehabilitation and the active and bottom-up nature of restoring France's prestige.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 371 pages
Publication date: 23 March 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Laure Humbert delves into the intricate interplay between French politics of national recovery and Cold War rivalries, shedding light on the impact of humanitarian aid in occupied Germany. Through her meticulous examination of everyday encounters between French officials, members of new international organizations, relief workers, defeated Germans, and Displaced Persons (DPs) who remained in the territory of the French zone prior to their repatriation or emigration, Humbert unveils the profound influence of these individuals on the shaping of relief practices. By making relief workers and DPs visible, Humbert not only sheds light on their crucial role in the rehabilitation process but also addresses the often overlooked issue of the gendering of rehabilitation. In doing so, Humbert highlights diverse cultures of rehabilitation, drawing upon pre-war notions of overcoming poverty and war-induced injuries while also uncovering the active and grassroots nature of France's efforts to restore its prestige.

Furthermore, Humbert's research extends beyond the realm of humanitarian aid, delving into the realm of cultural diplomacy. She demonstrates how relief workers actively engaged DP artists, incorporating them into the orbit of French cultural diplomacy in Germany. This collaboration not only provided artistic opportunities for DPs but also helped to promote a positive image of France in the eyes of the German population.

Through her comprehensive analysis, Laure Humbert offers a fresh perspective on the complex dynamics of humanitarian aid, cultural diplomacy, and the aftermath of World War II. Her work contributes to our understanding of the multifaceted challenges faced by occupied Germany and the strategies employed by different actors to rebuild and reconcile the nation.

ISBN-13: 9781108932776