A Concise History of France

Description

This is the most up-to-date and comprehensive study of French history available ranging from the early middle ages to the present. Amongst its central themes are the relationships between state and society, the impact of war, competition for power, and the ways in which power has been used. Whilst taking full account of major figures such as Philip Augustus, Henri IV, Louis XIV, Napoleon and de Gaulle, it sets their activities within the broader context of changing economic and social structures and beliefs, and offers rich insights into the lives of ordinary men and women. This third edition has been substantially revised and includes a new chapter on contemporary France - a society and political system in crisis as a result of globalisation, rising unemployment, a failing educational system, growing social and racial tensions, corruption, the rise of the extreme right, and a widespread loss of confidence in political leaders. Cover Half-title page Series page Title page Copyright page Contents Plates Figures Tables Acknowledgements Introduction Part I Medieval and Early Modern France Introduction 1 Population and resources in pre-industrial France 2 Society and politics in medieval France 3 Society and politics in early modern France Part II The Dual Revolution: Modern and Contemporary France Introduction 4 Revolution and Empire The final crisis of the ancien régime The debate on a new constitution Radicalisation of the Revolution The conservative Republic The Consulate and Empire Conclusion 5 The nineteenth century: continuity and change Economy and society Society and politics The Restoration The July Monarchy The Second Republic The Second Empire The Third Republic, 1870–1914 6 A time of crisis: 1914–1945 The First World War The inter-war years The Second World War 7 Reconstruction and renewal: the trente glorieuses Introduction Economy Society Political life The Fourth Republic The Fifth Republic 8 A society under stress Introduction Economy and society Social problems Political life Conclusion: an interim report on the Socialists in power A Short Guide to Further Reading General The Middle Ages Early Modern France Revolutionary and Napoleonic France The Nineteenth Century A Time of Crisis : 1914–1945 Reconstruction and Renewal: The Trente Glorieuses A Society Under Stress Index