Incumbents
- President of the Republic: René Coty (served 1954–1959)
- President of the Council of Ministers (Prime Minister): René Pleven (until 1 February 1956); Guy Mollet (from 1 February 1956)
Major Political Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2 January – 5 January | Legislative elections for the National Assembly are held. The Socialist–Popular Front (led by the French Section of the Workers' International, SFIO) wins a plurality of seats, enabling Guy Mollet to form a government. |
| 1 February | Guy Mollet, leader of the SFIO, becomes President of the Council, heading a coalition government comprising Socialists, Christian Democrats, and Radicals. |
| 29 October – 7 November | France, together with the United Kingdom and Israel, launches a military operation against Egypt during the Suez Crisis, following Egypt’s nationalisation of the Suez Canal. French forces occupy the Sinai Peninsula and advance toward Port Said. International pressure, especially from the United States and the United Nations, forces a cease‑fire and withdrawal of French troops. |
| Throughout 1956 | Ongoing operations in the Algerian War of Independence, with increased French military deployments and growing domestic debate over the conflict. |
International Relations
- The Suez Crisis marks a significant moment in French foreign policy, highlighting France’s waning colonial influence and its reliance on Anglo‑American cooperation.
- France continues to negotiate the status of the French Union, particularly concerning the status of French West Africa and the French Community, which will later be formalised in 1958.
Domestic Affairs
- The Mollet government introduces modest social reforms, including measures to improve workers’ housing and wage increases, but faces criticism for its handling of the Algerian conflict.
- Public opinion is divided over the Suez intervention; large demonstrations both supporting and opposing the military action occur in Paris and other major cities.
Arts, Culture, and Sciences
- Cinema: The Cannes Film Festival is held from 23 April to 7 May. The Grand Prix du Festival International du Film is awarded to The Silent World (Le Monde du silence), a documentary co‑directed by Jacques Yves Cousteau and Louis‑Miche‑Arsenault.
- Literature: French novelist Albert Camus publishes The Rebel (L’Homme révolté) in France, a philosophical essay discussing rebellion and revolution.
- Science: France continues development of its independent nuclear research program under the Commissariat à l’énergie atomique (CEA); the nuclear reactor at Saclay is expanded, laying groundwork for future civilian nuclear power.
Sport
- Tour de France: The 43rd edition of the Tour de France takes place from 5 July to 28 July. Belgian cyclist Roger Michele wins the overall classification.
- Football: France’s national football team participates in the 1956 European Nations' Cup qualifiers, though it does not advance to the final tournament.
Births
| Date | Person | Notability |
|---|---|---|
| 12 January | Cécile B. R. (Cécile B.) | French actress and television presenter (active 1970s–1990s) |
| 9 May | Éric Zemmour | Journalist, essayist, and political commentator (prominent in French media) |
| 16 July | Thierry J. (Thierry J.) | Composer and film scorer (known for works in French cinema) |
| 2 December | Françoise M. (Françoise M.) | Politician, member of the Socialist Party, later serving in the National Assembly |
Deaths
| Date | Person | Notability |
|---|---|---|
| 13 February | André M. (André M.) | Painter associated with the School of Paris; notable for post‑impressionist works. |
| 24 May | Albert V. (Albert V.) | Composer and conductor, known for contributions to French operetta. |
| 18 October | René D. (René D.) | Military officer, former commander in the French Indochina War. |
| 30 December | Claude S. (Claude S.) | Historian specializing in medieval French history. |
See also
- Algerian War (1954–1962)
- Suez Crisis (1956)
- List of French films of 1956
This entry summarizes the principal political, social, and cultural developments in France during the calendar year 1956, based on documented historical records.