Sembat, Maurice

(1862-1922)

   political figure

   Born in Bonnières-sur-Seine, Maurice Sembat was a member of the SFIO (Section française de l'internationale ouvrière), served as a Socialist deputy (1893-1922), and was the author of a pacifist pamphlet, Faites un roi, sinon la paix (1913). He served, nonetheless, as minister of public works during the period of the union sacrée (1914-17) and adopted a nationalist position. A reformist, he voted against adhering to the Third International during the Congress of Tours (1920).