The Invention of Terrorism in France, 1904-1939

The Invention of Terrorism in France,1904-1939 explores the political and social imaginaries of terrorism in the early twentieth century, arguing that contemporary ideas of terrorism as un-French emerged in the interwar years and took root long before the terrorist campaigns of Algerian nationalists.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2023
Publisher: Stanford University Press

The Invention of Terrorism in France, 1904-1939 delves into the intricate tapestry of political and social imaginaries surrounding terrorism during the early twentieth century. Authored by Chris Millington, this comprehensive work traces the evolution of the French conception of terrorism, evolving from the notion of it as the sole domain of deranged anarchist bombers to the complex political confrontations of the 1930s, when terrorism was recognized as a deliberate political act orchestrated by organized international movements. Through a meticulous examination of a series of terrorist incidents and their representations in public discourse and the press, Millington compellingly argues that contemporary notions of terrorism in France as un-French—that is, contrary to the ideas and values that constitute Frenchness—emerged during the interwar years and firmly took root long before the terrorist campaigns of Algerian nationalists in the 1950s and 1960s.

Millington's approach to terrorism extends beyond mere acts of violence, recognizing it as a political and cultural construction of violence meticulously crafted from a diverse array of discourses and deployed in specific contexts by commentators, witnesses, and perpetrators. By doing so, he exposes the profound political and cultural battles that underlie perceptions of terrorism, revealing a multitude of concerns, including anxieties over immigration, antiparliamentarianism, gender representations, and the future of European peace.

This groundbreaking work not only sheds light on the historical roots of terrorism in France but also offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between politics, culture, and violence. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the enduring power of ideologies and the potential consequences of their misuse. The Invention of Terrorism in France, 1904-1939 is a seminal contribution to the field of terrorism studies, providing a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the historical and cultural factors that shaped the development of terrorism in France.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503636750