Jacques Soustelle, French anthropologist and politician (d. 1990)

Jacques Soustelle (3 February 1912 – 6 August 1990) was a towering and often controversial figure in 20th-century French history, renowned for his multifaceted career as an anthropologist, a key architect of the Free French Forces during World War II, a prominent political leader during the tumultuous Algerian War, and ultimately, an esteemed member of the Académie française. His life trajectory reflects the deep ideological divisions and seismic shifts that defined post-war France, particularly concerning decolonization.

Early Life and Distinguished Academic Career

Born in Montpellier, Jacques Soustelle distinguished himself early as a brilliant academic. He became a renowned anthropologist, specializing in the complex and rich Pre-Columbian civilizations of Mesoamerica, a field in which he conducted significant research, particularly on the Otomi and Lacandon Maya peoples of Mexico. His scholarly contributions were significant, and by 1939, at the age of 27, he was appointed vice-director of the prestigious Musée de l'Homme in Paris. This institution, which opened its doors in 1937, was a leading center for ethnology and anthropology and would later play a crucial, albeit often understated, role in the French Resistance against the Nazi occupation.

A Pivotal Figure in the Free French Forces

With the outbreak of World War II and the fall of France in 1940, Soustelle's path shifted dramatically from academia to active resistance. He was among the very first to rally to General Charles de Gaulle in London, becoming an instrumental and early figure in the Free French Forces. His intellectual prowess and organizational skills were quickly recognized, and he served in various critical capacities, including as National Commissioner for Information and, later, for the Colonies. Soustelle played a vital role in establishing the Free French intelligence services and in rallying support for De Gaulle's movement across the globe, particularly within French colonial territories, underscoring his deep-seated attachment to the French Empire.

The Algerian Crisis and a Tumultuous Governorship

After the war, Soustelle continued his political career, serving in various governmental roles. His most defining, and arguably most controversial, period began with his appointment as Governor-General of Algeria in January 1955. At a time when the Algerian War of Independence was rapidly escalating, Soustelle became an ardent proponent of French Algeria, firmly believing in the integration of Algeria with metropolitan France. He and his political followers vehemently opposed any form of compromise or negotiation with Algerian anticolonial activists, such as the Front de Libération Nationale (FLN), advocating instead for a more forceful suppression of the rebellion and deep integration of Muslim Algerians into French society, including significant social and economic reforms. His policies aimed to counter the nationalist movement by demonstrating the benefits of remaining French, but ultimately failed to stem the tide of armed rebellion.

In May 1958, amidst growing political instability in France and the intensifying war in Algeria, Soustelle played a crucial role in the events that led to the return of Charles de Gaulle to power. From Algiers, he became a central figure in the 1958 Algiers crisis and the formation of the Committee of Public Safety, which openly called for De Gaulle's return. His actions significantly contributed to paving the way for the establishment of the Fifth Republic and De Gaulle's presidency, a moment he initially welcomed as a strong leader who would preserve French Algeria.

Break with De Gaulle and Exile

However, the political alliance between Soustelle and De Gaulle proved to be short-lived. As President de Gaulle increasingly moved towards a policy of Algerian self-determination and eventual independence, Soustelle found himself in fundamental disagreement with his former leader. This ideological schism culminated in a dramatic break. Remaining steadfast in his commitment to French Algeria, Soustelle became a vocal critic of De Gaulle's evolving policies. He subsequently joined the Organisation armée secrète (OAS), a far-right paramilitary organization composed largely of French military personnel and Pieds-Noirs (European settlers in Algeria) who violently opposed Algerian independence and sought to overthrow De Gaulle's government through assassinations and bombings. His involvement with the OAS, though complex and debated in its extent, forced him into exile from France, where he lived between 1961 and 1968, primarily in Switzerland and Italy.

Return to France and Later Recognition

Following the general amnesty granted in 1968, Soustelle returned to France. He gradually resumed his political and academic activities, though his political influence never quite reached its former heights. Nevertheless, his intellectual contributions and historical significance were ultimately recognized through one of France's highest honors. In 1983, Jacques Soustelle was elected to the Académie française, becoming one of the "Immortals" and signifying a formal acknowledgement of his lifelong contributions to French culture and scholarship, despite his controversial political past.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jacques Soustelle

What was Jacques Soustelle's primary academic field?
Jacques Soustelle was a distinguished anthropologist specializing in Pre-Columbian civilizations, particularly those of Mesoamerica, such as the Otomi and Lacandon Maya.
How did Soustelle contribute to the Free French Forces?
He was an early and vital associate of General Charles de Gaulle in London, serving in key roles like National Commissioner for Information and Colonies, and helping establish intelligence networks for the Free French movement during World War II.
What was Soustelle's stance on Algerian independence?
As Governor-General of Algeria, Jacques Soustelle was a staunch proponent of French Algeria, vehemently opposing any compromise or independence for Algeria and advocating for its full integration with France.
How did Soustelle contribute to Charles de Gaulle's return to power in 1958?
During the May 1958 crisis in Algeria, Soustelle was a central figure in the Committee of Public Safety in Algiers, which openly called for Charles de Gaulle's return to power, thus playing a direct role in the establishment of the Fifth Republic.
Why did Jacques Soustelle break with Charles de Gaulle?
Soustelle broke with De Gaulle over the latter's policy shift towards Algerian independence. Soustelle remained committed to French Algeria, while De Gaulle ultimately pursued self-determination, leading to an irreconcilable ideological conflict.
What was the OAS and what was Soustelle's connection to it?
The OAS (Organisation armée secrète) was a far-right paramilitary group that violently opposed Algerian independence and sought to overthrow De Gaulle. Soustelle, in his fervent opposition to Algerian independence, associated with the OAS, which led to his exile from France.
When was Jacques Soustelle elected to the Académie française?
Jacques Soustelle was elected to the prestigious Académie française in 1983, marking a significant recognition of his intellectual and cultural contributions to France.