The Duncan & Coe History Show: Marc Bloch Episode Summary

Release Date: December 19, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Duncan & Coe History Show, hosts Mike Duncan and Alexis Coe delve deep into the life and legacy of Marc Bloch, a seminal figure in historiography and a heroic member of the French Resistance during World War II. This detailed exploration not only chronicles Bloch's academic contributions but also his unwavering commitment to resisting Nazi occupation, ultimately leading to his martyrdom. Through engaging dialogue and insightful analysis, Duncan and Coe bring Bloch's story to life, highlighting his profound impact on the field of history and his enduring legacy.

Marc Bloch's Induction into the French Pantheon

The episode opens with Mike Duncan sharing breaking news that French President Emmanuel Macron has announced Marc Bloch as the newest member of the French Pantheon—a prestigious honor reserved for the nation's most esteemed sons and daughters. Duncan expresses his excitement and pride, stating:

"Being the lover of French history that I am, this set off all kinds of celebratory alarm bells in my mind because, like, I know who Marc Bloch is. I'm very familiar with him and his work and his story, and this is a very well-earned honor." ([05:00])

Understanding the French Pantheon

Alexis Coe provides context about the Pantheon, explaining its origins post-French Revolution as a mausoleum for France's most illustrious figures. She muses on Bloch being the first historian to be interred there, questioning whether he will be among other historians or mixed with figures from various fields:

"In the Pantheon, he will be the first one who's a historian. That was his profession. Other people dabbled in history, but this is kind of a big get for the history community." ([05:40])

Early Life and Background

Duncan narrates Marc Bloch's early years, emphasizing his Alsatian Jewish heritage and the impact of political turmoil on his family. Bloch was born in Lyon in July 1886 to a family that had been in Alsace for five generations under French rule. However, following the Franco-Prussian War of 1871, his family relocated to Paris when Bloch was just an infant, as his father secured a professorship at the Sorbonne.

"Bloch is not Jewish in the sense of being like a really active, observant Jew. He identifies as a Frenchman. Like, 'I am French. That's what I am.'" ([09:35])

This dual identity—proudly French yet ethnically Jewish—shapes Bloch's worldview and scholarly pursuits.

Academic Career and Contributions

Marc Bloch carved a niche for himself as a medieval historian, diverging from the traditional focus on kings and wars. Instead, he championed social history, emphasizing the lives of common people, peasants, and serfs. His pioneering work laid the foundation for modern historiography.

In 1924, Bloch published his first book investigating the folk belief that kings could cure scrofula by touch, not to validate the belief but to understand how such myths permeate society. This approach exemplifies his interest in the sociocultural fabric of historical periods.

"His first book in 1924 is investigating this long-standing folk belief that had taken root that the kings could cure scrofula, which is a kind of tuberculosis, by using like a magic touch that only the kings had." ([12:00])

The Annals and Historiographic Innovation

A significant milestone in Bloch's career was the founding of the influential historical journal Annales in 1929, alongside his colleague Lucien Febvre. The Annales revolutionized the study of history by shifting focus from political and military narratives to social history, incorporating interdisciplinary methods and social sciences.

"The Annals, which all is still around to this day, is one of the most influential historical journals in France. They want to turn away from political history, they want to turn away from narrative history, they want to turn away from Great man history, they want to focus on social history." ([15:00])

Coe remarks on Bloch's foresight, noting that his approach predated similar movements in other parts of the world, particularly in America.

World War II and Resistance Activities

As Europe plunged into the chaos of World War II, Bloch's life took a dramatic turn. In August 1939, just before the outbreak of the war, Bloch was mobilized for his third stint in the French army, demonstrating his commitment to his country.

When Germany invaded France in 1940, Bloch fought valiantly at the Battle of Dunkirk and was evacuated to England. Determined to return and assist his homeland, he authored The Strange Defeat—a poignant memoir analyzing France's rapid fall to Nazi forces.

"Bloch condemns a lot of interwar French society because it's too divisive. He blames the education system for creating a generation of pacifists who hated war." ([19:01])

Joining the French Resistance

With the establishment of Vichy France in 1940, a puppet state under Nazi influence, Bloch found himself increasingly marginalized due to his Jewish heritage. Expelled from the Sorbonne in October 1940, he moved to the University of Montpellier, facing anti-Semitic opposition from the dean.

In November 1942, as Nazi control intensified over Vichy France, Bloch joined the French Resistance, specifically the Franc Tireur movement. Leveraging his military and academic expertise, he played a crucial role in propaganda efforts, organizational logistics, and the preparation for the Allied invasion.

"Bloch is not just a part of the Resistance; by 1944, he's the acting head of a directory in the Rhone Alps, overseeing distribution of their magazines and supplies." ([25:11])

Arrest and Martyrdom

Bloch's resistance activities eventually led to his arrest by the Gestapo on March 8, 1944. Betrayed by his nephew and a local baker, he was captured and subjected to brutal torture by Klaus Barbie, infamously known as the "Butcher of Lyon."

Despite the relentless torture, Bloch remained steadfast, using his historical knowledge to mentally sustain himself and fellow prisoners:

"Here, he's teaching them history. He teaches them history to pass the time on their way to death." ([28:00])

On June 16, 1944, mere days after the Allied D-Day landings began to liberate France, Bloch and 27 others were executed by machine gun in a meadow—becoming martyrs of the French Resistance.

Legacy and Influence

Marc Bloch's scholarly work continued to influence historians long after his death. His innovative approaches to social history and interdisciplinary methods are foundational to contemporary historiography. Despite initial challenges in preserving his legacy—such as the rejection of his papers by the Archive Nationale in 1948—Bloch's contributions gained widespread recognition in the decades that followed.

By the late 1970s, Bloch was posthumously honored with state burials, streets named after him, and countless plaques commemorating his life. His induction into the French Pantheon in 2024 stands as a testament to his enduring impact on both history and national memory.

"In 1948, Bloch's son wanted to donate his father's papers to the Archive Nationale. They rejected the offer, saying, 'This shouldn't be here. This doesn't deserve to be here.' But his legacy persevered." ([31:07])

Hosts' Reflections

As the episode progresses, Duncan and Coe reflect on Bloch's profound influence on the field of history and their personal appreciation for his work. Mike Duncan emphasizes Bloch's role in shaping modern historiography:

"Bloch is very early to social history. He's very early to using social scientific techniques to illuminate the past. He's very committed to interdisciplinary studies." ([33:33])

Alexis Coe concurs, highlighting the importance of Bloch's belief that history exists in the present and that understanding the past is essential for comprehending the present:

"He believed that history existed in the present and could not just be stuck in the past. 'Misunderstanding of the present is the inevitable consequence of ignorance of the past,' he said." ([35:18])

The hosts jointly conclude that Bloch's methodologies and philosophies continue to resonate in contemporary historical studies, advocating for a holistic and socially conscious approach to understanding history.

Conclusion

This episode of The Duncan & Coe History Show offers a thorough and engaging examination of Marc Bloch's life—from his academic innovations to his heroic resistance against Nazi oppression. Through meticulous research and passionate discussion, Duncan and Coe not only honor Bloch's memory but also underscore the enduring relevance of his work in today's historiographical landscape. For listeners seeking inspiration from history's heroes and the evolution of historical scholarship, this episode serves as a profound reminder of the power of resilience, intellect, and unwavering commitment to truth.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Mike Duncan ([05:00]):

   "Being the lover of French history that I am, this set off all kinds of celebratory alarm bells in my mind because, like, I know who Marc Bloch is. I'm very familiar with him and his work and his story, and this is a very well-earned honor."

2. Alexis Coe ([05:40]):

   "In the Pantheon, he will be the first one who's a historian. That was his profession. Other people dabbled in history, but this is kind of a big get for the history community."

3. Mike Duncan ([09:35]):

   "Bloch is not Jewish in the sense of being like a really active, observant Jew. He identifies as a Frenchman. Like, 'I am French. That's what I am.'"

4. Mike Duncan ([12:00]):

   "His first book in 1924 is investigating this long-standing folk belief that had taken root that the kings could cure scrofula, which is a kind of tuberculosis, by using like a magic touch that only the kings had."

5. Mike Duncan ([15:00]):

   "The Annals, which all is still around to this day, is one of the most influential historical journals in France. They want to turn away from political history, they want to turn away from narrative history, they want to turn away from Great man history, they want to focus on social history."

6. Mike Duncan ([19:01]):

   "Bloch condemns a lot of interwar French society because it's too divisive. He blames the education system for creating a generation of pacifists who hated war."

7. Mike Duncan ([25:11]):

   "Bloch is not just a part of the Resistance; by 1944, he's the acting head of a directory in the Rhone Alps, overseeing distribution of their magazines and supplies."

8. Alexis Coe ([35:18]):

   "He believed that history existed in the present and could not just be stuck in the past. 'Misunderstanding of the present is the inevitable consequence of ignorance of the past,' he said."

Further Reading and Resources

For those interested in exploring Marc Bloch's work and legacy further, Mike Duncan mentions several books and resources in the show notes. These materials provide deeper insights into Bloch's contributions to history and his role in the French Resistance.

Note: To purchase Alexis Coe's "Founders Look Like Birds" calendar or explore her Etsy shop, please refer to the show notes linked in the episode.