Opinions et attitudes de chrétiens pendant la Seconde Guerre Mondiale

Abstract

Robert Vandenbussche, Opinions and attitudes of Christians during World War II. On the eve of the war, Catholic circles of Northern France look fundamentally conservative. The groups or movements that try to shake down this political and social conservatism (P.D.P., C.F.T.C., J.O.C.) remain a minority party. The political and social crisis, the social problems of the 1 930's contribute to divide the Catholic circles, at the same time prompting the moderates to radicalize their position. The beginning of the war is seen as that of a new campaign imposed and directed by the Germans ; yet the Soviet Union is not spared political attacks. Very soon, the war is understood by the Catholics as a "Christian crusade" against National-Socialism and Communism. The occupation divides the "Catholic community". Many circles feel an undeniable inclination towards the National revolution. The heads of many bodies controlled wholly or partially by the State are notable Catholics and active militants. But theirs is not a complete allegiance. The evolution of the regime is not always throught satisfactory : nevertheless a strong faith in the spirit of the national revolution, judged as a necessary cure for many evils and which reminds on certain points the Catholic action movement, is still felt. The résistants are moved by other motives : patriotism and anti-germanism contribute to this act of individual refusal. The social origins of the Catholic résistants are mostly similar to those of the partisans of the national revolution (the middle classes), and also sometimes more popular. A form of more political resistance develops around the leaders of the Parti démocratique populaire. But from 1943 this movement grows wider and tries to reach as many different circles as possible : the publishing of "Témoignage Chrétien" and the formation of the R.I.C. (Résistants d'inspiration chrétienne) are landmarks in this development. The consequences of this division are innumerable : traditional obedience and a certain conception of religious life are shattered.