Leon Blum (2009)

Blum, who began as a literary critic, became active in politics as a result of the Dreyfuss Affair. In 1925, he became the first Socialist Premier of France and the first Jewish leader of the country, presiding over the Popular Front coalition government. In 1940, his socialist views and Jewish heritage placed him in jeopardy, and the Vichy government deported him to Buchenwald. After World War II, Blum was welcomed home by the French people and was re-elected prime minister in 1946.