Leon Blum

1872- 1950

French Politician

Leon Blum was born on April 9th 1872. He attended École Normale Supérieure and The University of Pari. He began working as a literary critic, became active in politics as a result of the Dreyfuss Affair. In 1919, he was elected to the French Chamber of Deputies. In 1925, he became the head of the Socialist Party and, in May 1936, he became France's first socialist Prime Minister since 1870. During his one year in office, he instituted a number of important social reforms, including the 40-hour work week. During World War II, he was interned by the ichy government. Following World War II, Blum served as a special ambassador to the US (1946) and the head of provisional government (1946-47).