Revista Crítica de Historia de las Relaciones Laborales y de la Política Social
ISSN versión electrónica: 2173-0822
María del Carmen Amaya Galván
This book has been published in the well-known Bouquins collection, directed by Daniel Rondeau, and it allows readers to become acquainted with one of the most significant politicians in France during the Third Republic.
Georges Benjamin Clemenceau (1841–1929) was born in Mouilleron-en-Pareds and studied Medicine in Paris, although he devoted most of his life to politics, journalism and literature. He served as town councillor, member of parliament, minister and Prime Minister.
Clemenceau participated in important political debates concerning amnesty, the separation of State and Church, French colonization and freedom of education. He also played an important role in the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.
The correspondence included in the book has literary, personal and political interest. The review highlights his political activity related to social issues, including the creation of the Labour Ministry in France in 1906, with René Viviani as the first Labour Minister.
Clemenceau collaborated with several newspapers and promoted social justice reforms, including his opposition to the death penalty. His social thought can be particularly appreciated in his work La Mêlée sociale, which includes articles against social injustice affecting the working class during the Industrial Revolution.
Although he criticized social injustice, Clemenceau did not support anarchist or socialist ideas and maintained a republican political position.