Justin Godart earned recognition as one of the Righteous Among the Nations for his clandestine assistance to Jewish populations. Born in 1871 within the 6th arrondissement of Lyon, he pursued a career in law before entering the political sphere. His public service spanned several decades, encompassing various legislative roles and local government administration throughout France.
Political Career and Legislative Service
Godart began his political trajectory in 1904 as the sixth deputy mayor of Lyon. He secured a seat in the French National Assembly in 1906, serving consecutive terms until 1926. His parliamentary service included periods from 1906 to 1910, 1910 to 1914, 1914 to 1919, 1919 to 1924, and 1924 to 1926. In 1926, he transitioned to the Senate of the French Third Republic, where he remained until 1944. During his tenure, he held ministerial appointments, including Minister of Public Health in 1932 and earlier roles focused on labour, hygiene, and social security under Prime Minister Édouard Herriot.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Wartime Resistance and Local Governance
On 10 July 1940, Godart was among the parliamentarians known as the Vichy 80 who voted against the constitutional amendment establishing the authoritarian state under Philippe Pétain. During this period, he participated in resistance activities, notably editing an anti-Vichy newspaper. Following the liberation of Lyon in September 1944, he assumed the position of interim mayor, serving until 1945. He resigned from the Radical Party in 1945.
Advocacy and Literary Contributions
Beyond his elected duties, Godart maintained a focus on labour advocacy, promoting policies such as the eight-hour working day. He represented France at the International Labour Organization until 1950. A member of the Académie des sciences, belles-lettres et arts de Lyon, he authored several historical and cultural works. His publications include a 1909 study on Lyon trades, a 1912 book on Laurent Mourguet, a 1930 work on the 1830 revolution in Lyon, a 1934 text on Jansenism, and a 1948 account of the Voraces.
Fast facts
- Born: 1871, 6th arrondissement of Lyon
- Died: 1956, 7th arrondissement of Paris
- Positions held: Senator, Minister of Health, Mayor of Lyon
- Honours: Righteous Among the Nations (2003), Commander of the Legion of Honour
- Burial site: Cimetière parisien de Bagneux
- Political membership: Radical Party (until 1945)
- International role: International Labour Organization representative (until 1950)
Questions readers ask
What was Justin Godart's role in the Vichy 80?
He was a member of the group of parliamentarians who voted against the constitutional amendment that granted Philippe Pétain the authority to form an authoritarian government.
When did he serve as Mayor of Lyon?
He served as the interim mayor from September 1944 to 1945.
Achievements
- Righteous Among the Nations — 2003
- Commander of the Legion of Honour
- Worked as politician, lawyer and French resistance fighter
