Albert Lebrun: The Last President of the French Third Republic

Albert Lebrun (1871-1950) was the last president of the French Third Republic, serving from 1932 to 1940. His presidency was marked by a period of political instability, economic hardship, and the looming threat of war.

Early Life and Career

Albert Lebrun was born on August 29, 1871 in Mercy-le-Haut, in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department of northeastern France. He was educated at the Lycée Henri Poincaré in Nancy, where he excelled in his studies. He then attended the École Polytechnique in Paris, where he studied engineering.

After graduating from the École Polytechnique, Lebrun joined the French army and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He served in the artillery during World War I and was awarded the Croix de Guerre for his service. After the war, he entered politics and was elected to the Chamber of Deputies in 1919 as a member of the Radical Party.

Presidential Election of 1932

Lebrun was elected president of the French Third Republic in 1932, succeeding Paul Doumer, who was assassinated by a Russian émigré. Lebrun was a compromise candidate who was acceptable to both the right and left wings of French politics. He was seen as a safe and reliable choice, but not a particularly dynamic one.

Lebrun’s presidency was marked by a period of political instability, with multiple changes of government and frequent street demonstrations. The global economic crisis of the 1930s hit France hard, leading to high unemployment and social unrest.

World War II and the Fall of France

The greatest challenge of Lebrun’s presidency came with the outbreak of World War II. Lebrun was initially opposed to war with Germany, hoping instead for a negotiated settlement of the crisis. However, after the fall of Poland and the invasion of Denmark and Norway, it became clear that war was inevitable.

France declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939. Lebrun presided over a series of disastrous military campaigns, including the Battle of France in 1940. The French army was quickly defeated, and Paris fell to the Germans on June 14, 1940.

Lebrun was forced to sign an armistice with Germany on June 22, 1940, which led to the partition of France into occupied and unoccupied zones. Lebrun’s presidency came to an end, and he was succeeded by Philippe Pétain, who established the collaborationist Vichy regime.

Later Life and Legacy

After the fall of France, Lebrun retired from politics and lived in relative obscurity. He was briefly arrested by the Gestapo in 1944, but was released and survived the war. He died on March 6, 1950 in Paris.