René Pleven, French businessman and politician, Prime Minister of France (d. 1993)

René Pleven (French pronunciation: ​[ʁəne pləvɛ̃]), born on April 15, 1901, and passing away on January 13, 1993, stands as a pivotal figure in French politics during the turbulent era of the Fourth Republic. His career, marked by unwavering commitment to France's reconstruction and its place in a changing Europe, spanned decades and saw him contribute significantly to both domestic policy and international relations.

Pleven's political journey began in earnest during one of France's darkest hours. As a devoted member of the Free French forces, he stood alongside General Charles de Gaulle, rejecting the armistice with Nazi Germany and the collaborationist Vichy regime. This courageous stance positioned him at the heart of the resistance movement that sought to liberate France and restore its sovereignty. After the liberation, he played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of post-war France, notably by helping to establish the Democratic and Socialist Union of the Resistance (UDSR). This political party aimed to carry forward the ideals and spirit of unity forged in the wartime Resistance, advocating for a renewed and socially conscious France, even as it navigated the complex and often fragmented political environment of the emerging Fourth Republic.

The Fourth Republic, established in 1946, was a period characterized by frequent changes in government and a constant search for stability amidst the Cold War and decolonization challenges. It was within this dynamic context that René Pleven rose to prominence, serving as Prime Minister of France on two separate occasions: first from July 1950 to March 1951, and again from August 1951 to January 1952. His tenures, though relatively brief, were crucial in guiding the nation through critical economic and geopolitical decisions, demonstrating his leadership and pragmatism in a system often prone to deadlock.

The Pleven Plan and the Vision for European Defence

Perhaps René Pleven's most enduring legacy stems from his bold initiative, the Pleven Plan, which he unveiled in October 1950. At its core, the plan proposed the creation of a European Defence Community (EDC). This ambitious proposal emerged against the backdrop of the intensifying Cold War, particularly after the outbreak of the Korean War in June 1950, which dramatically heightened Western fears of Soviet expansionism in Europe. The United States, keen to bolster Western defences, was pressuring its European allies, especially France, to agree to the rearmament of West Germany, a nation still under Allied occupation and deeply scarred by its recent history.

For France, the prospect of an independent German national army, so soon after the devastation of two world wars, was a source of profound apprehension. Pleven's genius lay in offering a solution that addressed both the urgent need for enhanced Western European defence and France's deep-seated security concerns. The Pleven Plan envisioned a genuinely supranational European army, comprising military units from France, Italy, West Germany, and the Benelux countries (Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg). Critically, this plan stipulated that German military contributions would be integrated at a low, tactical level into this larger European force, thus preventing the re-emergence of an independent German general staff and ensuring that German rearmament would be firmly embedded within a broader European framework. This concept was a groundbreaking step towards deeper European integration, aiming to 'bury' national armies within a common structure, much like the European Coal and Steel Community was pooling economic resources.

Despite its innovative approach and the initial support it garnered from various European leaders and the United States, the Pleven Plan ultimately faced significant hurdles. The treaty establishing the EDC was signed in 1952, but it required ratification by all member states. In France, the debate was particularly fierce, reflecting deep nationalistic sentiments and concerns over the loss of national sovereignty and command over its own military. After a protracted and passionate political struggle, the French National Assembly, in August 1954, famously rejected the EDC treaty. While the EDC itself never came to fruition, the Pleven Plan nonetheless stands as a crucial milestone in the history of European integration, demonstrating an early, ambitious attempt to forge unity and security through supranational cooperation, ideas that would continue to shape the continent's trajectory.

Frequently Asked Questions about René Pleven

What was René Pleven's primary contribution to French politics?

René Pleven is most notably remembered for introducing the Pleven Plan in 1950, which proposed the creation of a European Defence Community (EDC). This plan sought to integrate Western European armies, including a rearmed West Germany, into a single supranational force, addressing Cold War security concerns while mitigating French fears about independent German rearmament.

How did Pleven contribute during World War II?

During World War II, René Pleven was a dedicated member of the Free French forces, aligning himself with General Charles de Gaulle. He actively participated in the resistance movement against Nazi occupation and the Vichy regime, working from abroad to liberate France.

What was the Democratic and Socialist Union of the Resistance (UDSR)?

The UDSR was a political party co-founded by René Pleven in post-war France. It aimed to be a successor to the wartime Resistance movement, carrying forward its ideals of national renewal and social progress within the nascent Fourth Republic. It represented a centrist-left alignment, though its influence was often felt through its participation in coalition governments.

Did the European Defence Community (EDC) proposed by the Pleven Plan ever come into existence?

No, the European Defence Community (EDC) ultimately did not come into existence. Although the treaty was signed in 1952, it failed to be ratified by the French National Assembly in August 1954, primarily due to strong nationalistic opposition and concerns over loss of sovereignty.

What was the significance of the Pleven Plan despite the EDC's failure?

Despite the failure of the EDC, the Pleven Plan was highly significant. It represented an early and ambitious effort towards supranational European integration, particularly in defence, and laid conceptual groundwork for future European cooperation initiatives. It demonstrated a bold attempt to address complex geopolitical challenges through shared sovereignty, influencing later developments in the European Union.