A French journalist who moved from antimilitarist socialism toward nationalist authoritarian politics.
“When war comes, do not fire on your brothers ... You will not march to defend the capitalists’ strongbox.”
A former history teacher, Hervé was dismissed from teaching in 1901 after publishing an antimilitarist article and became a socialist journalist. He took part in founding the French Section of the Workers' International (SFIO) in 1905 and was active in the General Confederation of Labour (CGT); through his paper La Guerre sociale, he advocated antimilitarism and insurrection in the event of war. At the outbreak of the First World War he turned to patriotism and support for the war, and in 1919 he helped launch the National Socialist Party. Between the wars he attacked parliamentary government and called for an authoritarian republic led by Philippe Pétain. He briefly supported German Nazism in the 1930s but condemned its persecution of Jews.
Activities and affiliations
- Ideology and propaganda · Independent activity
Career Timeline
- 1901Dismissed from teaching after an antimilitarist article.
- 1905Took part in founding the SFIO and was active in the CGT.
- 1907Founded and edited La Guerre sociale.
- 1914Shifted to support for the war.
- 1919Helped launch the National Socialist Party.
- 1935Published C'est Pétain qu'il nous faut.