Bourgeois Politics in France, 1945-1951 [Paperback]

Richard Vinen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 11, 2002 | ISBN-10: 0521522765 | ISBN-13: 978-0521522762

This is the first general study based on primary research of the reconstruction of conservative parties, business associates, civil service departments and other institutions defending bourgeois interests in the period between 1945 and 1951. French conservatism is presented as a more subtle, dynamic force than has been previously appreciated. It is suggested that the experiences of Vichy, the occupation and the purges inspired new kinds of political synthesis, making conservatives more dynamic and receptive to change than their "progressive" opponents.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Richard Vinen, a lecturer in history at King's College in London, has provided a convincing analysis of the complex bourgeois alliances in the Fourth Republic. His book faces squarely historiographical debates concerning the overall success of the regime and provides a far more detailed picture than heretofore available of how different bourgeois groups interacted and aided each other in the remaking of a neo-bourgeois France....It is necessary reading for all those engaged in graduate work on postwar France." Chiarella Esposito, History

"...Vinen's special focus on the connections among the middle-class political parties, important business organizations...and the upper reaches of the civil service is unique...The great merit of Vinen's account, however, is to show that the post-World War II reconstruction of France began as a class affair in which, for a time, the bourgeousie triumphed over all others." The Historian

Book Description

This primary research study of the institutions defending French bourgeois interests during this period. Vinen presents French conservatism as a more subtle and dynamic force than has been previously appreciated, and outlines the new kinds of political synthesis inspired by Vichy, occupation and the purges.

Product Details

• Paperback: 316 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (July 11, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521522765
• ISBN-13: 978-0521522762
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,974,728 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.