New Books in European Politics Chris Millington, "A History of Fascism in France: From the First World War to the National Front" (Bloomsbury, 2019)
Aug 31, 2025
Chris Millington, an expert in political extremism and author of *A History of Fascism in France*, delves into the complex relationship between fascism and France. He shares his personal journey into this intriguing subject, discussing the evolution of fascism from post-World War I to the rise of the National Front. Millington navigates diverse fascist movements, examining their ideologies and the socio-political factors that shaped them. He also reflects on contemporary implications, including the influence of historical narratives on the 2022 elections.
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Vichy And The Shadow Of Teleology
- Vichy and the Fifth Republic shape how historians interpret interwar movements, creating teleological and immunity arguments.
- Researchers often read interwar groups either as precursors to Vichy or as forerunners of Gaullist conservatism.
Diverse Movements, Big Stakes Around Croix-de-Feu
- France's interwar extreme-right landscape was diverse, with leaders' rivalries shaping separate movements.
- The Croix-de-Feu's size complicates classification: large membership does not resolve whether it was fascist.
Why Actors Rejected The Fascist Label
- Many French right-wing leaders rejected the 'fascist' label because they saw it as foreign and unsuited to French mentalities.
- Refusing the label reveals contemporaries' own definitions and strategic positioning.
