“Who was Paul Strauss?” you might ask yourselves. Today, let’s step back in time. We’re standing in Place Paul Strauss. Although this place might seem quiet, it holds echoes of a man who dedicated his life to public service.
Paul Strauss was a French journalist and politician. Born in 1852, he lived until 1942. For nearly fifty years, Paul Strauss was deeply involved in social issues. He cared about hygiene and public assistance.
Strauss directed the Revue philanthropique from 1887 to 1934. He also led the Association des journalistes républicains. Further, he served as vice-president of the Conseil supérieur de l’Assistance publique.
Paul Strauss cared about protecting mothers and children. He was concerned about the elderly, social housing, and public health. His work led to the law of 1894. It is sometimes called the Strauss Law. This law added to the 1889 Siegfried Law on affordable housing.
Strauss’s political involvement began early. As a young man, he read newspapers that opposed the Second Empire. He attended public meetings. These experiences shaped his political views.
In 1870, Strauss joined the Garde Nationale. He was involved in reconnaissance missions. Later, he was assigned to defend Besançon. During this time, he met Léon Gambetta and Giuseppe Garibaldi.
After the war, Strauss became involved with the journal La Joute. This monthly publication was created by students and young journalists. They advocated for amnesty, mandatory education, and equal service for all.
In 1873, Strauss joined the military as a nurse. However, he was prosecuted for an article in Le Radical. He was convicted of criticizing the President. Strauss fled to Strasbourg and then Brussels.
During his exile, Strauss wrote his first book. It was titled Le suffrage universel. Published in 1878, the book discussed the history of suffrage. Strauss argued that universal suffrage was tied to the Republic’s success.
Upon his return to Paris, Strauss was imprisoned for desertion. After two months, he was released. He was freed from his military duties in 1881.
Strauss began his journalism career. He wrote for various newspapers. In 1892, he founded the newspaper La Ville. Five years later, he started La Revue philanthropique. He directed it until it closed in 1934.
In 1883, Paul Strauss was elected as a conseil general. He represented the 9th arrondissement of Paris. He aligned himself with the moderate wing of radicalism.
Throughout his career, Strauss focused on budget matters, hygiene, and public assistance. He worked to improve sanitation. He championed the protection of mothers and children.
In 1897, Paul Strauss was elected to the Senate. He became known as a specialist in public assistance and child protection. As senator, Strauss addressed various social issues. These included the welfare of children, the elderly, and workers.
During World War I, Strauss served as vice-president of the Army Commission. He dealt with health issues. His wife Renée worked as a nurse.
In 1922, Paul Strauss became Minister of Hygiene, Assistance, and Social Welfare. He strengthened existing laws. He also launched investigations to assess social needs.
As minister, Strauss traveled across France. He promoted the work of his ministry. He also attended meetings and inaugurated institutions. Paul Strauss sought to improve public health.
Paul Strauss died in 1942. He left behind a legacy of dedication to social reform. His commitment to improving the lives of others continues to inspire. The naming of this place as Place Paul Strauss is a fitting tribute. It ensures that his contributions are not forgotten in Lyon.