A French journalist explores wartime life through a right-wing newspaper's archives, revealing parallels between 1939-1940 Spanish refugees and modern migrants.
Sylvie Blanchet's research on a local newspaper
Sylvie Blanchet has studied the digitized editions of the Journal du Loiret, a local newspaper in the Loiret department of France, to understand the atmosphere during the period between January 1939 and June 1940. This time span covers the arrival of Spanish refugees and the fall of France during World War II.Her background and interests
Sylvie Blanchet has spent a long career in the French National Education system and has a strong interest in history, particularly in the everyday lives of people. She previously published a study on the Groues neighborhood and its post-war barracks housing, and she currently works as a correspondent for regional press in Orléans.Her research process
For her latest book, Sylvie Blanchet immersed herself in the archives of the Journal du Loiret, focusing on the specific period from January 1939 to June 1940. She also contributed to the Republic of the Centre with documents from municipal councils and was inspired by a previous series of articles on Spanish refugees in the Loiret region.The arrival of Spanish refugees
The arrival of Spanish refugees in January 1939 was a dramatic event, with 450,000 people arriving in a short period. This was a sharp contrast to the earlier focus of the press and public on events in the East. The sudden influx of refugees created a significant shift in the region's social landscape.Comparing past and present
Sylvie Blanchet draws parallels between the arrival of Spanish refugees in 1939 and the current situation of refugees around the world. She notes that both groups faced similar challenges, including fear and exhaustion, while seeking to rebuild their lives in new places.The role of the Journal du Loiret
The Journal du Loiret is a right-wing newspaper that Sylvie Blanchet examined despite its political stance. She acknowledges some of its controversial statements but considers it an essential source for understanding the period. The newspaper's digitization by Orléans libraries made her research possible.The content of the newspaper
The Journal du Loiret covered various wartime issues, including passive defense, rationing, and the suspicion of potential traitors. It also addressed the integration of Spanish refugees, who, despite being labeled as agents of "revolutionary propaganda," became a valuable labor force in the region.Sylvie Blanchet's perspective
Sylvie Blanchet does not consider herself a historian but approaches the subject from the viewpoint of an ordinary citizen. She wonders how she would have reacted in such difficult circumstances and sees parallels between the experiences of past refugees and those of today. She was moved by the gratitude shown by Ukrainian refugees, who expressed thanks for the support they received.
