20th century: wars lead to new orientations

1879

Organization of the first annual ball of École Polytechnique, the Bal de l’X, by the Société Amicale de Secours.

1894

École Polytechnique celebrates its 100th anniversary. General André (X1857) welcomes the President of the French Republic Sadi Carnot (X1857).

1914-1918 : World War

The times of war hold sway over École Polytechnique until 1919. Its facilities are used as a military hospital. No national entrance exam is organized in 1915. Over 800 Polytechnicians die in the First World War, including 260 students from the classes of X1911 to X1918.

1921

Students of foreign nationalities are allowed to take the entrance exam.

1925

Inauguration of the École Polytechnique monument to the dead, the Winged Victory of Segoffin, built with the aid of a subscription.

1936

Louis Leprince-Ringuet is designated as a professor of Physics. The physicist establishes École Polytechnique’s first laboratory in 1937: the Leprince-Ringuet Laboratory (LLR). Creation of the first physics laboratories (1937-1940).

1940-1944 : The French State (Vichy)

After the armistice and occupation of northern France, École Polytechnique is relocated to Lyon and once again loses its military status. Its buildings in Paris are allocated to the Red Cross.

1943

After the occupation of the free zone, the School returns to Paris.

1944

250 students die in military campaigns in Africa, France and Germany, and as Maquis resistance fighters. 60 die in deportation, 33 are named “Companions of the Liberation”.

1944-1946 : Provisional Government of the French Republic

In September 1944, École Polytechnique returns under the administration of the Ministry of War

1946-1958 : Fourth Republic

The decree of January 28, 1957, greatly modifies the composition of the Development Council of the school. Louis Armand is named President of the Council.