The document July 1935, titled Que veut… que peut… le Front Commun ? – “What does the Popular Front want and what is it capable of?”, a special issue published by “La Front Populaire” under the leadership of the French Jewish diplomat Léon Blum, aimed at curbing the rise of Nazism and Fascism in Europe. Edited by Georges Suarez, July 1935. Unusual for the period, the front cover and the final page are in color.
“Against any dictatorship, against any fascist attempt, we rise, strong in our conscience…”. Throughout the issue are numerous articles, reports, and photographs describing the worldview of La Front Populaire and the public actions it organized in its fight against the rise of Nazism. Among other things, it describes mass street demonstrations by activists, including a mass rally in which an effigy in the shape of Adolf Hitler was hanged. Also detailed are widespread efforts across France to unite all left-wing organizations committed to combating fascism, led by the French Prime Minister Léon Blum, who was one of the initiators and founders of the Popular Front.
The Popular Front (Front Populaire) was a left-wing political coalition in France that operated between 1934 and 1938, reaching the height of its power in the 1936 elections. It included the Socialist Party (SFIO), the Communist Party (PCF), and the Radical Party. The Popular Front movement arose in response to the rise of fascism in Europe, particularly after Hitler’s ascent to power in Germany and attempts by the far-right to undermine French democracy. The coalition’s primary goal was to halt the radical right, especially movements like Action Française and other nationalist factions. The Front aimed to defend the French Republic, safeguard democratic liberties, and oppose any attempt to impose an authoritarian regime.
An important record of the struggle that took place in France prior to the outbreak of World War II to strengthen its democratic character, before the rise of the dictatorial Vichy regime. Following the rise of fascism in France, in 1938, after Léon Blum’s resignation as Prime Minister, the coalition ultimately disbanded and effectively lost its political power.
32 pages. Minor tears along the edges and spine. Good condition.
