Book Description
This book traces the life of Francois Mitterrand from his youth as an ardent Catholic and supporter of Marshal Petain, to his career as a centrist politician of the Fourth Republic, through his capture of the leadership of the Socialist Party, leading to his election as President of France in 1981. During these years the Communist Party of France, influenced by such militants as the poet Louis Aragon, was evolving into a national party eager to participate in a joint effort with the Socialist Party to begin a rupture with capitalism through the election of Mitterrand as President. The reform of the Communist Party and the rise of Mitterrand led to the Union of the Left. In 1981, the Socialist Party had an absolute majority in the French Parliament plus support from the Communist Deputies. President Mitterrand could have implemented his leftist electoral promises and given Western Europe a historical lesson in how to move toward socialism in an advanced industrial country. Instead, he chose to change his program to the development of capitalism on a European scale. The reasons for this turn-around emerge from an examination of his life and career.
About the Author
JOSEPH P. MORRAY is a retired teacher, lawyer, and writer.
Grand Disillusion: Francois Mitterrand and the French Left FROM THE PUBLISHER
This book traces the life of Francois Mitterrand from his youth as an ardent Catholic and supporter of Marshal Petain, to his career as a centrist politician of the Fourth Republic, through his capture of the leadership of the Socialist Party, leading to his election as President of France in 1981. During these years the Communist Party of France, influenced by such militants as the poet Louis Aragon, was evolving into a national party eager to participate in a joint effort with the Socialist Party to begin a rupture with capitalism through the election of Mitterrand as President. The reform of the Communist Party and the rise of Mitterrand led to the Union of the Left. In 1981, the Socialist Party had an absolute majority in the French Parliament plus support from the Communist Deputies. President Mitterrand could have implemented his leftist electoral promises and given Western Europe a historical lesson in how to move toward socialism in an advanced industrial country. Instead, he chose to change his program to the development of capitalism on a European scale. The reasons for this turn-around emerge from an examination of his life and career.
FROM THE CRITICS
Booknews
Traces the life and political career of the first secretary of the
French Socialist Party, who became president of France in 1981, until
his defeat by conservatives in 1995. Discusses the Congress of
Epinay; the Communist Party of France; how Mitterand won the
presidency; the Catholic Church and school reform; and other
influences, efforts, successes, and failures. A sympathetic if
critical treatment of both Mitterand and democratic socialism.
Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.
Art & Photography
Book Info
