French: 4th Republic

Question 1

Historiography

Answer 1

-Pascal Cauchy says that the Fourth Republic is the poor parent of contemporary French history

Question 2

Desire for change in the 40s

Answer 2

• A referendum in Oct 1945 showed that 96% of people did not want to return to the 3rd republic
• New constitution passed in Oct 1946 by 9 mllion to 8 million votes (8 million abstentions)

Question 3

Party politics

Answer 3

• Between December 1946 and June 1951 8 ministries were formed with the average govt. lasting 7 months
• Ramadier saced the Communists in May 1947

Question 4

1956 elections

Answer 4

• Poudjadists 11.6%, MRP 11.1%, Radials 11.3%, SFIO 15.2%, PCF 25.9%
• PCF got 150 seats i the New Assembly and the Pojadists had 50

Question 5

Poujadism

Answer 5

• Started in 1955

- 2.5 million votes in 1956 election

Question 6

Monnet Plan

Answer 6

• 1946
• Focused on key sectors such as: coal, steel, tractors, transport, elctricity, cement
• Industrial production increased by 85% between 1950-58