France and Fascism

The Paris riots of February 1934 marked a pivotal moment in interwar France, nearly toppling the democratic regime as fascist rioters clashed with citizens. This event catalyzed a deep political polarization, leading to a surge in membership for extreme right-wing paramilitary leagues and the left-wing Popular Front coalition. The ensuing conflict, often referred to as a 'French civil war,' set the stage for a decade of turmoil, culminating in the Liberation of France in 1944. This book offers a comprehensive analysis of this critical historical moment.