Young Gaullists: Discontent in May 1968
Audigier, François
Young Gaullists: Discontent in May 1968 - 2001.
24
Created in 1965, the Union of Youth for Progress brought together thousands of members in favor of a social Gaullism often critical of the UNR and the Pompidou administration. Even though it was composed mostly of students, the UJP was unaware of the new generations’ distress such as the university crisis and bypassed the May explosion altogether. Except for a few leaders and sections that provided a minimal Gaullist presence, it languished after making a few attempts. Its awakening was late and coincided with the political renewal. The May events revealed the contradictions of a movement split between a desire to represent the youth and respect of its political allegiances, of an organization torn between a progressive minority that had supported the revolting students in the name of participation, and a conservative minority that saw in May 1968 an attempt at insurrection and the need to conquer it. In between these two radical readings, most members had wavered before adhering to the General’s formula: “Reform yes, a mess, no.”
Young Gaullists: Discontent in May 1968 - 2001.
24
Created in 1965, the Union of Youth for Progress brought together thousands of members in favor of a social Gaullism often critical of the UNR and the Pompidou administration. Even though it was composed mostly of students, the UJP was unaware of the new generations’ distress such as the university crisis and bypassed the May explosion altogether. Except for a few leaders and sections that provided a minimal Gaullist presence, it languished after making a few attempts. Its awakening was late and coincided with the political renewal. The May events revealed the contradictions of a movement split between a desire to represent the youth and respect of its political allegiances, of an organization torn between a progressive minority that had supported the revolting students in the name of participation, and a conservative minority that saw in May 1968 an attempt at insurrection and the need to conquer it. In between these two radical readings, most members had wavered before adhering to the General’s formula: “Reform yes, a mess, no.”
Réseaux sociaux