France and the Dreyfus Affair by Douglas Johnson

France and the Dreyfus Affair
by Douglas Johnson
(Published by Blandford Press, First Edition 1966, 242 Pages)

France and the Dreyfus Affair by Douglas Johnson is a detailed and well-researched exploration of one of the most controversial episodes in French history. In 1894, Captain Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer in the French Army, was wrongfully accused and convicted of passing military secrets to Germany. His conviction, based on forged documents and deep-rooted anti-Semitism, led to a decade-long legal and political battle that divided France.

Douglas Johnson delves into the key figures involved, from Émile Zola, whose famous letter “J’Accuse…!” publicly condemned the injustice, to the military officials and politicians who orchestrated and defended Dreyfus’s persecution. The book critically examines the role of the media, the rise of nationalism, and the impact on French politics, leading to the eventual exoneration of Dreyfus in 1906.

Johnson also explores the broader implications of the affair, discussing how it reshaped the French legal system, heightened tensions between the church and state, and influenced early 20th-century European politics. His analysis provides a clear, engaging narrative that makes this complex historical event accessible to readers.

This book is essential for anyone interested in French history, political scandals, and the origins of modern human rights debates. It offers a balanced perspective, shedding light on both the injustices faced by Dreyfus and the larger ideological struggles of the era.

• A comprehensive account of the Dreyfus Affair, one of France’s most infamous political scandals.
• Examines the wrongful conviction of Captain Alfred Dreyfus for espionage and the subsequent legal battles.
• Discusses the deep social, political, and anti-Semitic divisions that the case exposed in French society.
• Explores the roles of Émile Zola, the military, and the press in shaping public opinion and justice.
• Provides an in-depth analysis of how the affair influenced modern France, from its judiciary system to its political landscape.