French Communist Party

The French Communist Party (French: Parti communiste français or PCF) is France's largest communist party and a member of the European Left group.

The Popular Front

During the 1930s the PCF grew rapidly in size and influence, its growth fuelled by the popularity of the Comintern's Popular Front strategy, which allowed an alliance with the SFIO and the Radicals to fight against fascism. The Popular Front won the 1936 elections, and Leon Blum formed a Socialist-Radical government. The PCF supported this government but did not join it. The Popular Front government soon collapsed under the strain of domestic and foreign policy issues.

Related Topics:
Popular Front - Alliance - Radicals - 1936 - Leon Blum

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After the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and the outbreak of World War II in 1939, the PCF was declared a proscribed organisation. The PCF pursued an anti-war course during the early part of the Second World War. Thorez deserted from the French Army and fled to the Soviet Union. When the Germans invaded France, the PCF took a "neutralist" position, and initially collaborated with the German occupiers.

Related Topics:
Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact - World War II - 1939 - Second World War - Germans

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