Fascism and the Extreme Right in Greater France: Gender, Empire, and Extremist Politics in the Croix de Feu, 1927-1945

FAIN: FT-59312-11

Caroline Jane Campbell
University of North Dakota (Grand Forks, ND 58202-6059)

This book project places women at the forefront of French extremist politics in the years leading up to World War II and decolonization. Focusing on one of the largest political movements in French history, the Croix de Feu, it enters into a debate over the role and influence of women in the extreme right and women's contribution to strengthening popular support for France's empire. Informed by rich archival records, it concludes that Croix de Feu women formulated a gender ideology that moved beyond the notion that women best served their country as mothers. The Croix de Feu sought to mobilize women - regardless of marital status - as the key players in bringing about national rejuvenation. Organizing a Women's Section from scratch, Croix de Feu women implemented an ultranationalist social program that organized welfare services, physical education initiatives, and youth development programs, all of which they designed to inject a sense of ultranationalism across Greater France.

Associated Products

Building a Movement, Dismantling the Republic: Women, Gender, and Political Extremism in the Croix de Feu/Parti Social Français, 1927–1940 (Article)
Title: Building a Movement, Dismantling the Republic: Women, Gender, and Political Extremism in the Croix de Feu/Parti Social Français, 1927–1940
Author: Caroline Campbell
Abstract: Women were at the center of extremist politics in the late Third Republic. This article focuses on one of the largest political movements in French history, the Croix de Feu, and enters into a debate over the degree of women’s in uence on the movement and its conception of women’s role in French society. Informed by rich archival records, it concludes that a multivalent gender ideology enabled Croix de Feu women to subvert a powerful “women in the home” movement by placing themselves at the center of national rejuvenation. They did so by appropriating republican conceptions of civic space to build an ultranationalistic social program. Organizing a women’s section from scratch, Croix de Feu women implemented the movement’s social program in over ?? percent of French departments, ultimately contributing to a rightward shift in ????s French political culture and laying the groundwork for the Vichy regime.
Year: 2012
Format: Journal
Periodical Title: French Historical Studies
Publisher: Duke University Press

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