Religion, Politics and Preferment in France since 1890
La Belle Epoque and its Legacy

A study of the problems faced by Catholics seeking state employment under the Third Republic.

Maurice Larkin (Author)

9780521419161, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 9 March 1995

264 pages
23.7 x 16 x 2.1 cm, 0.516 kg

"An engaging and valuable study." Choice

This book investigates the problems that committed Catholics allegedly faced if they sought careers in state employment under the Third French Republic. Using ministerial and Masonic archives, the book explores the broad divergence of practice between individual ministries and between particular governments. It also examines the factors that underlay these discriminatory attitudes - notably the claims of Catholic involvement in the right-wing subversive activities of the late 1890s at the time of the Dreyfus affair. It investigates the increased difficulties that French Catholics faced after the change of pope in 1903. Later chapters explore the degree to which wariness towards committed Catholics in the public services evaporated under later regimes - despite the traumas of the Vichy years.

Preface
Part I. As It Was: Catholic and the Republic 1890–1914: 1. Ralliés et dérailleurs: Catholics and subversion
2. Le sabre et le goupillon: Catholics and the army
3. Raison d'état, raison d'église: the Roman dimension
Part II. As It Was: Catholics and State Employment: 4. Problems and principles
5. Patterns of preferment
6. Ronds-de-cuir, genoux de chameau: other sectors
7. The Brotherhood at work
8. Marianne at school
Part III. As It Became: 1914–1994: 9. La grande illusion? 1914–1939
10. The leopard's spots, 1940–1960
11. Croquet through the looking glass: rules and identity in question, 1960–1994
Notes
Sources.

Subject Areas: 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000 [HBLW], European history [HBJD]