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Before his murder on July 31st 1914, Jaures and the SFIO attempted to unite the workers of the different European countries to not take part in what became WWI. However, only two days after his death, SFIO leaders backed the war entirely. I wasn't able to find an answer to that sudden change.

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  • The most obvious answer would seem to be that the anti-militaristic views mainly belonged to Jaures, and his death allowed the rest of the leadership to follow their own path.
    – Steve Bird
    Commented Jan 19, 2023 at 11:00
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    Another explanation can be what happened in the meantime: 1st Aug: France mobilise the army, 3rd Aug: Germany declaration of war. So, on 3rd of Aug, France was in war, and that change a lot
    – Dan M
    Commented Jan 19, 2023 at 11:43
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    From French Section of the Workers' International "During the July 1914 international crisis, the party was ideologically torn between its membership in the Socialist International and the wave of patriotism within France. The assassination of Jaurès on 31 July 1914 was a setback for the pacifist wing of the party and contributed to the massive increase in support for the wartime government of national unity." Commented Jan 19, 2023 at 12:31
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    Have a look at Timeline of World War I. Germany declared war on Russia (France's ally) on the 1st and invaded Luxembourg (France's neighbour) on the 2nd. Aggressive intent affecting French interests was clear. Commented Jan 19, 2023 at 13:46
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    @user1627466 - mobilization had not started. Once it did, there was no going back and everyone knew it.
    – Jon Custer
    Commented Jan 19, 2023 at 13:51

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