The Moral Disarmament of France

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The book explores the role of French schoolteachers during the interwar period, contrasting their pacifist ideals with the militaristic nationalism of previous generations. Mona L. Siegel argues that these educators aimed to "morally disarm" the nation by removing war-related symbols from their classrooms, promoting peace in the aftermath of World War I. Despite facing criticism for fostering antipatriotism, their efforts were rooted in patriotic traditions, ultimately reinforcing citizens' loyalty to France amidst economic hardship and political extremism.