[1] Inspired by the ideas of Charles Maurras and Action Française,[2] the journal was, before World War I, a voice for the neo-classical school and literary nationalism.

Renowned for its literary quality and bringing together the elite of nationalist writers, the Revue critique quickly gained considerable influence.

It engaged with the Nouvelle Revue française, launched at the same time by André Gide and Jacques Copeau, which also advocated a classical revival.

It campaigned against Romanticism, "bovarysme" (a concept introduced by Jules de Gaultier), the decadent strain of symbolism, and contemporary theater.

It embraced diverse literary tastes, supporting the revival of regional literatures by highlighting the poets of the École romane, such as Maurice du Plessys, Raymond de La Tailhède, Ernest Raynaud, and Lionel des Rieux, as well as the young École fantaisiste, represented by Paul-Jean Toulet, Francis Carco, Jean-Marc Bernard, Tristan Derème, Tristan Klingsor, Jean Pellerin, and Léon Vérane.