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| === Beginnings: 1929–1940 === | === Beginnings: 1929–1940 === | ||
| In 1929, ] was ] from the ] by order of ]<ref>Marie, Jean-Jacques. ''Le Trotskisme'', Armand Colin, 2002.</ref>. Internationally, those who supported Trotsky's political views and his ] were expelled from the ] aligned with the ], which had come under Stalinist control. These initial "Trotskyists" (a term initially used by their adversaries) organized themselves nationally and internationally despite significant challenges |
In 1929, ] was ] from the ] by order of ]<ref>Marie, Jean-Jacques. ''Le Trotskisme'', Armand Colin, 2002.</ref>. Internationally, those who supported Trotsky's political views and his ] were expelled from the ] aligned with the ], which had come under Stalinist control. These initial "Trotskyists" (a term initially used by their adversaries) organized themselves nationally and internationally despite significant challenges.{{sfn|Bensaïd|2001}} | ||
| In France, under Trotsky’s guidance, the ] was founded in April 1930 by ], ], ], ], and ]. Its members, all part of the ] (PCF), operated as a clandestine faction within the party and disseminated their ideas through the journal '']''. |
In France, under Trotsky’s guidance, the ] was founded in April 1930 by ], ], ], ], and ]. Its members, all part of the ] (PCF), operated as a clandestine faction within the party and disseminated their ideas through the journal '']''.{{sfn|Nick|2002|pp = 25–27}} | ||
| By 1934, the French Trotskyists numbered fewer than forty members. Following Trotsky’s advice, they joined the ] (SFIO) to influence the party's political direction, particularly after the SFIO adopted a united front strategy with the Communist Party |
By 1934, the French Trotskyists numbered fewer than forty members. Following Trotsky’s advice, they joined the ] (SFIO) to influence the party's political direction, particularly after the SFIO adopted a united front strategy with the Communist Party.{{sfn|Charpier|2002|pp=38–39}} However, this effort ended when the SFIO adopted the ] strategy at its ], leading to the expulsion of the Trotskyists.{{sfn|Nick|2002|p =45}} | ||
| Subsequent years saw internal divisions and the creation of several groups: | Subsequent years saw internal divisions and the creation of several groups: | ||
| * ] (POR) led by Naville and Rosenthal. | * ] (POR) led by Naville and Rosenthal. | ||
| * ] (GAR), founded by Molinier and Frank. | * ] (GAR), founded by Molinier and Frank. | ||
| * ] (JSR), created by ], ], and others |
* ] (JSR), created by ], ], and others.{{sfn|Nick|2002|pp =52–56}} | ||
| By 1938, the French Trotskyists unified into the ] (POI), which represented the French section of the newly established ]. Internal schisms, however, persisted |
By 1938, the French Trotskyists unified into the ] (POI), which represented the French section of the newly established ]. Internal schisms, however, persisted.{{sfn|Bensaïd|2001|pp= 23–25}} | ||
| === World War II: 1940–1945 === | === World War II: 1940–1945 === | ||
| During ], French Trotskyists faced difficult choices: whether to engage in ] or ] into collaborationist movements to conduct propaganda among German soldiers<ref>Marie, Jean-Jacques. ''Le Trotskisme et les trotskystes''. Armand Colin, 2002, pp. 92–94.</ref>. Notable figures like ] endured Nazi deportation and later documented the concentration camp experience<ref>Rousset, David. ''L'univers concentrationnaire''. Éditions de Minuit, 1946.</ref>. | During ], French Trotskyists faced difficult choices: whether to engage in ] or ] into collaborationist movements to conduct propaganda among German soldiers<ref>Marie, Jean-Jacques. ''Le Trotskisme et les trotskystes''. Armand Colin, 2002, pp. 92–94.</ref>. Notable figures like ] endured Nazi deportation and later documented the concentration camp experience<ref>Rousset, David. ''L'univers concentrationnaire''. Éditions de Minuit, 1946.</ref>. | ||
| The war also saw Trotskyist activities in the ] and clandestine efforts. These years were marked by the ] in 1940, leaving the Fourth International in disarray |
The war also saw Trotskyist activities in the ] and clandestine efforts. These years were marked by the ] in 1940, leaving the Fourth International in disarray.{{sfn|Nick|2002|p =106}} | ||
| === Postwar Period: 1945–1968 === | === Postwar Period: 1945–1968 === | ||
| The postwar years saw the unification of French Trotskyists into the ] (PCI), though this unity was short-lived due to internal ideological divisions. By 1952, a major split occurred between the ] and ] factions, reflecting broader international divisions within the Fourth International |
The postwar years saw the unification of French Trotskyists into the ] (PCI), though this unity was short-lived due to internal ideological divisions. By 1952, a major split occurred between the ] and ] factions, reflecting broader international divisions within the Fourth International.{{sfn|Charpier|2002|p=158}} | ||
| During the ], French Trotskyists played an active role. The Pabloists supported the ], providing material aid and political advocacy |
During the ], French Trotskyists played an active role. The Pabloists supported the ], providing material aid and political advocacy.{{sfn|Nick|2002|pp = 195–198}} Conversely, the Lambertists aligned with the ].{{sfn|Nick|2002|p =201}} | ||
| === May 1968 and Beyond === | === May 1968 and Beyond === | ||
| The events of ] revitalized Trotskyist movements in France, with the emergence of the ] (LCR) and the growth of | The events of ] revitalized Trotskyist movements in France, with the emergence of the ] (LCR) and the growth of | ||
| ] (LO). These groups, along with other smaller factions, gained electoral and political visibility in the decades following |
] (LO). These groups, along with other smaller factions, gained electoral and political visibility in the decades following.{{sfn|Bensaïd|2001|pp = 72–73}} | ||
| == Trotskyism in Contemporary France == | == Trotskyism in Contemporary France == | ||
| Trotskyist movements continue to influence French politics, particularly through electoral campaigns and activism in social movements |
Trotskyist movements continue to influence French politics, particularly through electoral campaigns and activism in social movements.{{sfn|Nick|2002|pp = 250–252}} While the broader left has fragmented, organizations like Lutte Ouvrière, the | ||
| ], and smaller groups like ] maintain the legacy of Trotskyist thought in the 21st century |
], and smaller groups like ] maintain the legacy of Trotskyist thought in the 21st century.{{sfn|Charpier|2002|p=320}} | ||
| === Prominent Organizations === | === Prominent Organizations === | ||
| * Lutte Ouvrière (LO): Known for its electoral campaigns led by ] and ] |
* Lutte Ouvrière (LO): Known for its electoral campaigns led by ] and ].{{sfn|Nick|2002|p p=275–280}} | ||
| * New Anticapitalist Party (NPA): Formed from the LCR, it continues to advocate for radical leftist policies |
* New Anticapitalist Party (NPA): Formed from the LCR, it continues to advocate for radical leftist policies.{{sfn|Bensaïd|2001|pp=80–83}} | ||
| * Revolution Permanente: A newer party emphasizing contemporary issues like anti-racism and workers’ struggles<ref>Charpier, Frédéric. ''Histoire de l’extrême gauche trotskiste''. Éditions 1, 2002, p. 350.</ref>. | * Revolution Permanente: A newer party emphasizing contemporary issues like anti-racism and workers’ struggles<ref>Charpier, Frédéric. ''Histoire de l’extrême gauche trotskiste''. Éditions 1, 2002, p. 350.</ref>. | ||
Revision as of 21:14, 24 December 2024
In France, several organizations identify with Trotskyism. These groups vary in size, with memberships ranging from a few dozen to several thousand activists.
History
Beginnings: 1929–1940
In 1929, Leon Trotsky was expelled from the USSR by order of Joseph Stalin. Internationally, those who supported Trotsky's political views and his Left Opposition were expelled from the Communist parties aligned with the Third International, which had come under Stalinist control. These initial "Trotskyists" (a term initially used by their adversaries) organized themselves nationally and internationally despite significant challenges.
In France, under Trotsky’s guidance, the Communist League was founded in April 1930 by Alfred Rosmer, Pierre Naville, Gérard Rosenthal, Pierre Frank, and Raymond Molinier. Its members, all part of the French Communist Party (PCF), operated as a clandestine faction within the party and disseminated their ideas through the journal La Vérité.
By 1934, the French Trotskyists numbered fewer than forty members. Following Trotsky’s advice, they joined the French Section of the Workers' International (SFIO) to influence the party's political direction, particularly after the SFIO adopted a united front strategy with the Communist Party. However, this effort ended when the SFIO adopted the Popular Front strategy at its 1935 Mulhouse Congress, leading to the expulsion of the Trotskyists.
Subsequent years saw internal divisions and the creation of several groups:
- Party of Revolutionary Workers (POR) led by Naville and Rosenthal.
- Revolutionary Action Groups (GAR), founded by Molinier and Frank.
- Revolutionary Socialist Youth (JSR), created by Yvan Craipeau, Fred Zeller, and others.
By 1938, the French Trotskyists unified into the International Workers' Party (POI), which represented the French section of the newly established Fourth International. Internal schisms, however, persisted.
World War II: 1940–1945
During World War II, French Trotskyists faced difficult choices: whether to engage in resistance or entryism into collaborationist movements to conduct propaganda among German soldiers. Notable figures like David Rousset endured Nazi deportation and later documented the concentration camp experience.
The war also saw Trotskyist activities in the Free French and clandestine efforts. These years were marked by the assassination of Trotsky in 1940, leaving the Fourth International in disarray.
Postwar Period: 1945–1968
The postwar years saw the unification of French Trotskyists into the Internationalist Communist Party (PCI), though this unity was short-lived due to internal ideological divisions. By 1952, a major split occurred between the Pabloist and Lambertist factions, reflecting broader international divisions within the Fourth International.
During the Algerian War of Independence, French Trotskyists played an active role. The Pabloists supported the FLN, providing material aid and political advocacy. Conversely, the Lambertists aligned with the MNA.
May 1968 and Beyond
The events of May 1968 revitalized Trotskyist movements in France, with the emergence of the Revolutionary Communist League (LCR) and the growth of Lutte Ouvrière (LO). These groups, along with other smaller factions, gained electoral and political visibility in the decades following.
Trotskyism in Contemporary France
Trotskyist movements continue to influence French politics, particularly through electoral campaigns and activism in social movements. While the broader left has fragmented, organizations like Lutte Ouvrière, the NPA, and smaller groups like Revolution Permanente maintain the legacy of Trotskyist thought in the 21st century.
Prominent Organizations
- Lutte Ouvrière (LO): Known for its electoral campaigns led by Arlette Laguiller and Nathalie Arthaud.
- New Anticapitalist Party (NPA): Formed from the LCR, it continues to advocate for radical leftist policies.
- Revolution Permanente: A newer party emphasizing contemporary issues like anti-racism and workers’ struggles.
References
- Nick 2002, p. 16.
- Marie, Jean-Jacques. Le Trotskisme, Armand Colin, 2002.
- Bensaïd 2001.
- Nick 2002, pp. 25–27.
- Charpier 2002, pp. 38–39.
- Nick 2002, p. 45.
- Nick 2002, pp. 52–56.
- Bensaïd 2001, pp. 23–25.
- Marie, Jean-Jacques. Le Trotskisme et les trotskystes. Armand Colin, 2002, pp. 92–94.
- Rousset, David. L'univers concentrationnaire. Éditions de Minuit, 1946.
- Nick 2002, p. 106.
- Charpier 2002, p. 158.
- Nick 2002, pp. 195–198.
- Nick 2002, p. 201.
- Bensaïd 2001, pp. 72–73.
- Nick 2002, pp. 250–252.
- Charpier 2002, p. 320.
- Nick 2002.
- Bensaïd 2001, pp. 80–83.
- Charpier, Frédéric. Histoire de l’extrême gauche trotskiste. Éditions 1, 2002, p. 350.
Further Reading
- Barcia, Robert (2003). La Véritable Histoire de Lutte ouvrière (in French). Denoël.
- Bensaïd, Daniel (2001). Les Trotskysmes (in French). PUF.
- Charpier, Frédéric (2002). Histoire de l’extrême gauche trotskiste de 1929 à nos jours (in French). Éditions 1.
- Nick, Christophe (2002). Les Trotskistes (in French). Fayard.