For many years after the Second World War, the French stubbornly pretended that their country had been a territory of Resistance during the occupation, and directors with a critical view of this myth were virtually ostracized. The French public has only now grown ready for a candid discussion of this topic: three films are arriving in national release at once — about De Gaulle, his supporters, opponents, and «apolitical» conformists. The latter, unfortunately, are usually in the majority.

#WorldWarII #historicalmemory #movie #Vichyregime #resistance #France #CharlesdeGaulle

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In December 1965, the President of France was elected by popular vote for the first time. This historic event forever changed the country’s political landscape: even today, all attention is focused on the «prophetic» figure of the head of state, and the presidential model of the republic has become deeply rooted in French political tradition. Moreover, General de Gaulle’s dominance was truly challenged at the ballot box for the first time. But how did the French come to feel the need for a nationwide vote for their national leader? And why does this crucial electoral reform continue to poison France’s political life today?

#elections #state #electoralreform #society #thepresident #France #CharlesdeGaulle

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Already as president, de Gaulle liked to say that he was the only politician defending France's interests because he was criticized by both the left and the right. There is some truth to this.

#20thcentury #WorldWarII #elections #democracy #europe #west #historicalmyth #History #conservatism #republic #resistance #France #CharlesdeGaulle

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