French Anti-Americanism (1930-1948)

Critical Moments in a Complex History

French Anti-Americanism offers a historical exploration of the central role of anti-Americanism in French thought, and the often compromised position of France's intelligentsia during World War II. It was in the years preceding World War II, with its complex fears and uncertainties, that America first took center stage as a target for French anxieties. Dr. Seth D. Armus examines the cultural stability of French anti-Americanism and how it has survived colossal political shifts nearly unchanged. Focusing on the contributions made by inter-war intellectuals, this book demonstrates how some of the most striking elements of contemporary anti-Americanism, including a frequent intersection with anti-Semitism, were fully developed six or seven decades ago. Through a study of characters ranging from Nazi collaborators to Catholic humanists, Dr. Armus provides a sophisticated analysis of French anti-Americanism as a cultural phenomenon-distinct from mere political opposition to American foreign policy. French Anti-Americanism is an engaging read that will appeal to scholars of French and American studies, as well as those interested in international relations.