Did Gertrude Stein Support the Fascist Vichy Regime in France?

Gertrude Stein is often remembered as one of the leading lights of the modernist movement, an influential American writer, and a significant patron of the arts. However, her support for the Vichy regime – the government of Nazi-occupied France during World War II – has been a subject of considerable historical debate. This article will explore her actions and statements, providing context and analysis based on historical records.

Context: Pétain, Vichy, and Stein's Early Involvement

Gertrude Stein's early support for the Vichy regime and its leader, Marshal Philippe Pétain, is a complex and troubling aspect of her legacy. In 1941, Stein published an article in a Vichy journal, La Patrie, where she argued for a productive continuity between Pétain's National Revolution and his political and cultural projects. This was a significant moment, as it aligned her with a régime deeply intertwined with Nazi Germany.

Stein's Translation and Propaganda

One of the most controversial acts of support came when Stein translated Pétain's speeches for publication in the United States. This action not only made Nazi propaganda accessible to an American audience but also implied a certain legitimacy to the Vichy government. The translation and dissemination of such materials were part of a broader strategy to foster a sympathetic American view of Vichy France.

Endorsement and Salute: Further Supportive Actions

In 1934, Stein went a step further by publicly endorsing Adolf Hitler for the Nobel Peace Prize. This endorsement was made in the aftermath of Hitler's rise to power and in the midst of increasing persecution of Jews and other minorities. Moreover, in 1945, after the Allied victory, Stein was even seen performing the Hitler salute at his bunker in Berchtesgaden, a move that must have raised significant questions about her allegiances and beliefs.

Support Among Artists and Intellectuals

It is worth noting that Stein was not alone in her support for the Vichy regime. There was a notable group of artists and intellectuals who found some semblance of legitimacy and stability in a government that promised cultural renewal and traditional values amidst the tumult of war. For example, Jean Cocteau and others were among those who supported or at least had ambivalent feelings toward the Vichy regime.

After the War: Praiseworthy Tina or Controversial Figure?

Interestingly, even after the war, Stein continued to speak positively about Pétain. She stated that his 1940 armistice with Hitler had achieved "nothing short of a miracle." This perspective, coming as it did after Pétain had been sentenced to death by a French court for treason, is particularly jarring. Whether Stein was genuinely misguided or simply protecting her legacy, this statement certainly supports the view that she may have had ulterior motives or perhaps was more ideologically aligned with the regime than initially believed.

Conclusion and Legacy

The actions and statements attributed to Gertrude Stein during the Vichy era raise important questions about her beliefs, loyalties, and the impact of her choices. Understanding her complex legacy requires a nuanced examination of the political climate of the time and her personal motivations. As a cultural figure who championed the arts, her support for a regime that brought untold suffering to millions is a blemish that cannot be ignored. The story of Gertrude Stein and her support for the Vichy regime is a reminder of how even respected individuals can fall into questionable behaviors and ideologies during times of conflict.

Further Reading and Resources

For those interested in exploring this topic further, the following works and articles offer a more comprehensive analysis of the subject:

The Art of Gertrude Stein by Alexander Lawrence Artists and the Vichy State: Charles de Gaulle’s Fight for France (1940-1944) by Anthony Piccirilli Dealing with Duties: Gertrude Stein and the Question of Cultural Ambivalence by Jennifer Swann