Characteristics and features of the french fascist movement in 1925-1939: origins, axiological originality and autochonous features of development

The article considers the genesis, specificity, and ideological and theoretical features of the French fascist movement in the period from 1925 to 1939, based on a wide range of historical works: both classical, in particular the works of Z. Sternhell, E. Nolte, and R. Paxton, as well as contemporary ones, including studies by K. Millington, D. Orlov, and D. Allen. The main problem lies in rethinking French fascism not as a simple imitation of the Italian or German models, but as an independent political phenomenon. The French model developed simultaneously with the classical form of fascism in Italy, but its historical roots go even deeper. Of course, the national and historical characteristics and the local socio-political context that influenced the specific manifestations of the French version of fascism are also interesting: the crisis of the republic, nationalist frustration, social instability, and the balance of political forces. The author analyzes the trajectory of French fascism, paying particular attention to organizations such as « Faisceau», « Les Croix de Feu», and « Front paysan», as well as their ideological predecessors: « Cercle Proudhon», « Action française», and paramilitary leagues. French fascism was distinguished by its literary and pluralistic character, the significance of intellectual circles, and the absence of a single theoretical center. French fascism went through two evolutionary periods: the period of paramilitarism, when the fascists were supported by war veterans; and the period of intellectual fascism, when there was a surge of strength among the French intelligentsia, which made French fascism more theoretically fruitful, but structurally fragile and fragmented.