National Bloc (France)


The National Bloc was the name given to two loose coalitions formed by various parties of the right in France, characterised by an alliance between former enemies of centre-right Radicals, conservative liberals and Catholic nationalists. The first Bloc, led by Clemenceau, was in power from 1919 to 1924. Later, the name was often used to describe a governing alliance of a similar range of parties, led by Poincaré and in power from 1926 to 1932.

Elections of 1919

Made up primarily of conservative right wing parties, such as the Fédération républicaine, Alliance démocratique, and Action libérale, the coalition had the support of various radical right wing parties as well. The Bloc wanted to continue the patriotic union sacrée which was Raymond Poincaré's coalition during World War I.
The National Bloc election campaign focused on two principal issues: Patriotism and fear of Bolshevism.

Electoral results