Nationalisation – The Engine to Raise France from the Ruins (1944–1946)

This study aims to analyse one of the key phenomena in contemporary French history – the nationalizations. They make it possible for the country to rise from World War II’s ruins and embark on the path to reconstruction and modernization. At the head of the Provisional Government of the French Republic is General De Gaulle, conscious of the historic mission at this turning point. The realization of nationalizations went far beyond the period of the Provisional Government’s rule. Its consequences lead to the creation of foundations in various areas, such as strategic sectors in the economy, the restoration of the previous and construction of new infrastructure, and the transition of finances, credit, and insurance into the hands of the state. Coal mining, gas extraction, and electricity production were nationalized. One of the most important goals of nationalization are aircraft and automobile production, railway, sea, and river transport. The rebuilding of the railways is becoming a priority. The nationalization of banks, credit, and insurance deeply affects different social groups and takes place after prolonged disputes and numerous compromises. After the war, the new role of the state emerged as the main cementing factor in society. It makes it the only force capable of bringing about the recovery and modernization of the economy. The main lever for achieving this is nationalization.