Events on April 18 in history

Pierre Laval becomes Prime Minister of Vichy France.

Pierre Jean Marie Laval (French pronunciation: ​[pjɛʁ laval]; 28 June 1883 – 15 October 1945) was a French politician whose career spanned the tumultuous decades of the early to mid-20th century. A figure of immense controversy, his journey from a socialist lawyer defending the working class to a prominent leader in the collaborationist Vichy regime paints a complex and often troubling picture of French history. His political life saw him twice serve as Prime Minister of France during the Third Republic, first from 27 January 1931 to 20 February 1932, and then again from 7 June 1935 to 24 January 1936, roles that positioned him at the heart of national and international affairs during a period of escalating global tensions.

Early Career and Shifting Political Alliances

Born into modest circumstances in Châteldon, Laval’s early life was marked by a commitment to socialist ideals. He embarked on a legal career in 1909, quickly gaining a reputation as a fervent advocate for the rights of the working class. He became well-known for his impassioned defense of strikers, trade unionists, and left-wing activists who faced prosecution from the government, solidifying his image as a champion of social justice. This early activism paved his way into national politics, and in 1914, he was successfully elected to the Chamber of Deputies as a member of the Socialist Party (SFIO).

During the First World War, a period that deeply divided French society, Laval maintained his staunch pacifist convictions, a stance that sometimes placed him at odds with the prevailing nationalistic fervor. However, the post-war political landscape proved challenging. Following his defeat in the 1919 election, a significant turning point in his career, Laval distanced himself from the Socialist Party. He then found a new political base as the mayor of Aubervilliers, a working-class suburb of Paris, a position he would hold for decades and which allowed him to build a strong local power base independent of traditional party structures.

His political rehabilitation on the national stage came in 1924, when he returned to the Chamber of Deputies, this time as an independent. His pragmatic approach and growing political influence were further recognized three years later with his election to the Senate in 1927. During this period, Laval demonstrated a remarkable ability to navigate the often-unstable coalition governments of the Third Republic, holding a series of important ministerial positions. These included significant portfolios such as Minister of Public Works, Minister of Justice, and Minister of Labour, each role broadening his experience and influence within the French political establishment. His ascent culminated in 1931 when he first assumed the demanding office of Prime Minister. However, the economic turmoil of the Great Depression and the inherent instability of Third Republic politics led to the fall of his government just over a year later.

Premierships and the Shadow of Rising Fascism

Laval's political fortunes continued to fluctuate amidst the turbulent 1930s. In 1934, he joined the conservative government led by Gaston Doumergue, initially serving as Minister of the Colonies before transitioning to the critical role of Foreign Minister. It was in this capacity, and subsequently during his second term as Prime Minister, that Laval truly engaged with the escalating international crises that would soon engulf Europe.

Assuming the premiership once more in June 1935, Laval's foreign policy was largely driven by a desire to contain the growing threat posed by Nazi Germany. To achieve this, he pursued a strategy of seeking alliances with other European powers. This led to policies perceived as favorable to Fascist Italy under Benito Mussolini and, perhaps more surprisingly given his conservative leanings, to the Soviet Union. His diplomatic efforts included the Franco-Soviet Treaty of Mutual Assistance in 1935, aimed at encircling Germany. However, his tenure was largely overshadowed by the controversial Abyssinia Crisis.

The Italian invasion of Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia) presented a significant challenge to the League of Nations and international peace. Laval's handling of this crisis, particularly his secret Hoare-Laval Pact with British Foreign Secretary Samuel Hoare, aimed to partition Abyssinia and appease Mussolini in an attempt to maintain Italy as an ally against Germany. This pact, however, was leaked to the press and widely denounced as a blatant act of appeasement, igniting public outrage both domestically and internationally. The ensuing political fallout and strong condemnation ultimately forced Laval's resignation in January 1936, marking the end of his time at the helm of a sovereign French government prior to World War II.

The Dark Chapter: Pierre Laval and Vichy France

The swift and devastating defeat of France by Nazi Germany in May-June 1940 fundamentally altered the course of French history and Pierre Laval’s career. Following the signing of the armistice, a new authoritarian regime, known as Vichy France, was established under the leadership of Marshal Philippe Pétain. This government, based in the resort town of Vichy, collaborated with the German occupation forces. Laval quickly emerged as a central figure in this new order, driven by a belief that collaboration was the only pragmatic path for France's survival, or perhaps even a way to secure a favorable position in a German-dominated Europe.

He initially served as the Vice-President of the Council of Ministers from July 1940 to December 1940, playing a crucial role in establishing the initial structures of the Vichy regime. Despite a temporary sidelining, he returned to power in April 1942, assuming the even more significant role of the Head of Government. In this capacity, Laval became the chief executive of the collaborationist government, actively implementing policies that aligned with the interests of the Third Reich. This included the notorious Service du Travail Obligatoire (STO), or Compulsory Labor Service, which sent hundreds of thousands of French laborers to Germany to support the Nazi war effort, often under coercive conditions. Furthermore, and perhaps most infamously, Laval's government played an instrumental role in the systematic organization and facilitation of the deportation of Jews from France to Nazi extermination camps, a dark chapter that remains a profound stain on his legacy and on French history. He remained at the head of this collaborationist government until the liberation of France in August 1944.

Trial, Execution, and an Enduringly Controversial Legacy

With the tide of World War II turning and the Liberation of France underway in 1944, Laval found himself in an increasingly precarious position. He was initially imprisoned by the retreating Germans, a bizarre twist given his previous collaboration. As the Allied forces advanced, in April 1945, he managed to flee to Spain, seeking refuge. However, his asylum was temporary, and under international pressure, he soon returned to France, where he was immediately arrested by the provisional French government led by General Charles de Gaulle, determined to bring those who collaborated with the enemy to justice.

Laval's subsequent trial, which commenced in October 1945, has been widely characterized by historians and legal scholars as deeply flawed. Occurring in the emotionally charged atmosphere of post-war France, it was marked by significant procedural irregularities and intense public animosity, raising questions about due process and the impartiality of the proceedings. Nevertheless, he was found guilty on charges of plotting against the security of the state and of collaboration with the enemy, offenses that carried the gravest penalty. On the day of his scheduled execution, Laval attempted suicide by ingesting cyanide but failed. Despite this, he was swiftly executed by firing squad on 15 October 1945, at Fresnes Prison, a dramatic and conclusive end to a life that had traversed the extremes of political fortune.

Pierre Laval's multifaceted and often contradictory political activities have bequeathed to history a profoundly complicated and controversial legacy. His transformation from a socialist defender of the common man to a prominent architect of the Vichy regime's collaboration with Nazism has fueled intense historical debate. The enduring complexities of his motivations and actions are reflected in the fact that his life has inspired more than a dozen conflicting biographies, each attempting to grapple with the motivations of a man whose choices deeply impacted the fate of France during its darkest hour, leaving a legacy that continues to provoke discussion and analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pierre Laval

Who was Pierre Laval?

Pierre Laval was a prominent French politician who served twice as Prime Minister during the Third Republic in the 1930s. He is, however, most infamously known for his leadership roles in the collaborationist Vichy regime during World War II, serving as Vice-President and later Head of Government.

What was Pierre Laval's early political background?

Laval began his political career as a socialist lawyer, known for defending trade unionists and leftists. He was elected to the Chamber of Deputies as a Socialist in 1914 but later left the party to become an independent, gradually moving towards more conservative political positions.

What role did Laval play in the Abyssinia Crisis?

During his second premiership in 1935, Laval attempted to appease Benito Mussolini's Italy during its invasion of Abyssinia. His secret Hoare-Laval Pact, which proposed partitioning Abyssinia, was widely condemned as appeasement and led to his resignation.

What were Laval's key responsibilities in Vichy France?

As Vice-President of the Council of Ministers (1940) and later Head of Government (1942-1944) under Marshal Pétain, Laval was instrumental in implementing the Vichy regime's policies. These included organizing compulsory labor for Germany (STO) and facilitating the deportation of Jews from France to Nazi extermination camps.

Why is Pierre Laval considered a controversial figure?

Laval's legacy is controversial due to his dramatic shift from early socialist ideals to leading a collaborationist government that actively assisted Nazi Germany. His actions during Vichy France, particularly his role in the persecution and deportation of Jews, mark him as a deeply polarizing figure in French history.

What happened to Pierre Laval after the Liberation of France?

After fleeing to Spain in 1945, Laval was eventually returned to France, arrested, and tried by the provisional government. Despite a trial that some historians describe as flawed, he was found guilty of collaboration with the enemy and plotting against the state. He was executed by firing squad in October 1945.