Abstract

Why Herriot Fell

The article gives reasons for the defeat of politician Edouard Herriot in the recent elections for the premiership of France. Herriot made the occupation of the Ruhr "invisible" and put an end to the constant petty interferences with German life. His whole term in office was a tragedy of good intentions. Herriot wanted to pursue a policy of open friendliness with Germany and with the Soviet Union but he feared that it might mean a fall from office at the outset of his term. He wanted to face the financial facts, honestly to balance the budget, to force adequate taxation but he did not dare. When he finally blurted out the fatal truth of his last day in office he was able to prove that his opponents were responsible for the disastrous financial situation of his country.