Choice and Democratic Order The French Socialist Party, 1937}}}1950 [Hardcover]

A detailed examination of French socialist politics during a period of major upheaval.A detailed analysis of internal conflict within the French Socialist Party during a period of major upheaval, which nonetheless emphasizes continuity as much as change. Professor Graham shows key figures in recent French history like Leon Blum and Guy Mollet working within the complex structures of their party.A detailed analysis of internal conflict within the French Socialist Party during a period of major upheaval, which nonetheless emphasizes continuity as much as change. Professor Graham shows key figures in recent French history like Leon Blum and Guy Mollet working within the complex structures of their party.Choice and Democratic Order describes the history of the French Socialist Party (the SFIO) during the breakdown of peace in the late 1930s, the period of the Vichy regime, and the postwar reconstruction. The focus of the study is on the party's leadership group and, in particular, how it was affected by several phases of internal conflict, the most serious of which occurred in 1938 and in 1946. Professor Graham emphasizes the continuities between the pre- and postwar periods, and his approach enables the reader to observe major figures such as Leon Blum and Guy Mollet working within the complex structures of their party.1. The internal politics of political parties; 2. The French Socialist Party in 1937; 3. The internal crisis of early 1938: the preliminary phases, January to mid-March; 4. The Royan Congress of June 1938 and the defeat of the Gauche R?volutionnaire; 5. The years 193845: collapse and reconstruction of the SFIO; 6. The succession crisis of 1946; 7. Epilogue: The Socialists and the advent of the Third Force; 8. Conclusion; Appendix; Bibliography; Index. The value of this book lies essentially in three dimensions. First, it offers a clear picture of the changing balance of power inside the SFIO during this period, not only in the horizontal dimension of lƒ