The History of France

Description

Few nations have such a long and rich history as France. This indispensible volume covers political, economic, and cultural milestones throughout its long and fascinating history. From Gothic cathedrals to rap and hip-hop, France is at the intersection of the worlds of Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, and it continues to renew the democratic model of politics. Having weathered the storms of the first half of the 20th century, France has helped to curb the recent global march of right-wing nationalism, while economically France ranks among the U.S., China, Japan, Germany, and Great Britain as one of the most powerful economies in the world. The History of France is up-to-date and concise yet comprehensive, offering a readers a current, narrative history of France. Engagingly written for students and general readers alike, it brings to life the compelling history of this fractious and fascinating country. Chronological chapters examine the history of France through the first year and a half of Emmanuel Macron's presidency. A timeline and appendix of Significant Individuals round out the work. Includes a timeline of significant events in the history of France, providing students with an at-a-glance overview of France's history Offers an appendix of Notable People in the History of France to give readers with brief biographies of those who have made important contributions to the country's history Presents photos and maps to provide additional context for and support the text Includes an annotated bibliography to give readers detailed information on resources for further study Cover Half Title Title Copyright Contents Series Foreword Preface to the Second Edition Preface to the First Edition Timeline of Historical Events 1 A Fractious and Fascinating Country 2 Prehistory 3 From Caesar to Charlemagne 4 Building the Nation: From Hugh Capet to Richelieu (987–1642) 5 Absolute Monarchy: From Apogee (Louis XIV, 1643–1715) to Catastrophe (Louis XVI, 1774–1792) 6 The French Revolution and Napoleon 7 An Unstable Era (1815–1870): Monarchies, Republic, and Empire 8 The Consolidation of the Third Republic in Peace and War (1870–1918) 9 Decline and Degradation: Interwar and Vichy 10 Renewal and Expansion: The Fourth Republic and de Gaulle's Fifth Republic 11 After de Gaulle: Experimentation and Consolidation (1969–1988) 12 France at the End of the Twentieth Century (1988–2002): Crisis, Renewal, and Drift 13 Wither France in the Complex Twenty-First Century? Notable People in the History of France Bibliographic Essay Index