History of Breton nationalism
Encyclopedia
The history of Breton nationalism as an organised set of political and cultural movements started during the latter half of the nineteenth century.
The name Breton movement, or Emsav in Breton , is used to group the major Breton political and cultural movements. Some feel the term (or the movements themselves) does not adequately reflect the diversity, internal divisions and conflicts within Brittany.
Traditionally, the history of the Breton movement is split into three periods: the First Emsav being the birth of the Breton movement in the nineteenth century, before 1914; the Second Emsav covering the period 1914-1945; and Third Emsav for the post-war movements. The historic memory of the Second Emsav has been tarnished in the memory of many by the collaboration of some leading Breton nationalists during the Nazi occupation of France. After the war, the movement was widely discredited politically and several of these members arrested as collaborators. The second Emsav essentially disappeared. After the Second Emsav went into limbo, Breton nationalism remained practically silent for two decades.
The Third Emsav was closely associated with the upsurge of social contestation during the 1960s. This last movement was grown on its own without links with the previous nationalist movements and, in sharp contrast with the earlier ideology, occupied the left side of the political spectrum with affinity ranging from social-democrat liberalism to Marxism
revolutionary. This can help to explain the reluctance that some members of the movement feel toward the term 'nationalism' which, in France, carries right-wing connotations. The movement has experienced continued momentum through the growth of regional identities across Europe in the 1980s and to the present.Today Breton live around the world living normal live.
Recently, a new branch of the movement, Adsav
adzao, a far right wing organization, has appeared. This movement however, is still very minor and has no connection with the organization from the third Emsav.
The name Breton movement, or Emsav in Breton , is used to group the major Breton political and cultural movements. Some feel the term (or the movements themselves) does not adequately reflect the diversity, internal divisions and conflicts within Brittany.
Traditionally, the history of the Breton movement is split into three periods: the First Emsav being the birth of the Breton movement in the nineteenth century, before 1914; the Second Emsav covering the period 1914-1945; and Third Emsav for the post-war movements. The historic memory of the Second Emsav has been tarnished in the memory of many by the collaboration of some leading Breton nationalists during the Nazi occupation of France. After the war, the movement was widely discredited politically and several of these members arrested as collaborators. The second Emsav essentially disappeared. After the Second Emsav went into limbo, Breton nationalism remained practically silent for two decades.
The Third Emsav was closely associated with the upsurge of social contestation during the 1960s. This last movement was grown on its own without links with the previous nationalist movements and, in sharp contrast with the earlier ideology, occupied the left side of the political spectrum with affinity ranging from social-democrat liberalism to Marxism
Marxism
Marxism is an economic and sociopolitical worldview and method of socioeconomic inquiry that centers upon a materialist interpretation of history, a dialectical view of social change, and an analysis and critique of the development of capitalism. Marxism was pioneered in the early to mid 19th...
revolutionary. This can help to explain the reluctance that some members of the movement feel toward the term 'nationalism' which, in France, carries right-wing connotations. The movement has experienced continued momentum through the growth of regional identities across Europe in the 1980s and to the present.Today Breton live around the world living normal live.
Recently, a new branch of the movement, Adsav
Adsav
Adsav is a Breton nationalist secessionist party active in Britanny, which claims to be neither right-wing or left-wing, although its roots are on the right and it is widely considered to be a far right party....
adzao, a far right wing organization, has appeared. This movement however, is still very minor and has no connection with the organization from the third Emsav.
See also
- Breton nationalismBreton nationalismBreton nationalism is the nationalism of the traditional province of Brittany in France. Brittany is considered to be one of the six Celtic nations...
- Breton nationalism and World War IIBreton nationalism and World War IIBefore and during World War II, the Breton nationalist movements were associated, as a whole, with anti-French and even pro-Nazi positions. The extent of and motivation for these affiliations has been a matter of historical controversy....