French Union [and] Republic of France

The Fourth French Republic and its overseas Union.

This informational double-sided sheet was created to provide a succinct overview of the new political divisions of the Fourth French Republic, established in 1946 as the nation attempted to recover from the devastation of World War II. One side presents a world map that highlights the constituent elements of the French Union, a political entity that replaced the former system of colonial administration with (ostensibly) greater local control.

Prior to WWII, the French government oversaw the second-largest empire in the world (after Britain); extending over five continents and including over 60 million inhabitants. The French Union began to crumble with the withdrawal of Cambodia and South Vietnam in 1955 and dissolved completely after the establishment of de Gaulle’s Fifth Republic in 1958.

The verso provides an industrial overview of France; with coal, iron, textiles, ports, fishing, and perfume production centers identified throughout the image. A note at the bottom reads “farms and vineyards are widespread throughout France, therefore their specific locations are not indicated.”

The map was designed by the Armed Forces Information and Education Division of the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD). Designed as a visual aid to accompany Armed Forces Talk No. 368 “France and the Free World.” Published in 1951 by the Government Printing Office.

Source: From the French Empire to the French Union