Product Description

The last fifty years of French history have seen immense challenges for the French: constructing a new European order, building a modern economy, searching for a stable political system. It has also been a time of anxiety and doubt. The French have had to come to terms with the legacy of the German Occupation, the loss of Empire, the political and social implications of the influx of foreign immigrants, the rise of Islam, the destruction of rural life, and the threat of Anglo-American culture to French language and civilization. Robert Gildea's account examines the French political system and France's role in the world from 1945 to 2000. He looks at France's attempt to recover national greatness after the Second World War, its attempt to deal with the fear of German resurgence by building the European Community, and its struggle to preserve its Empire. He also discusses the Algerian War and its legacy, and the later development of a neo-colonialism to preserve its influence in Africa and the Pacific. Gildea also examines the rise and fall of the two Republics, the rise of and fall of De Gaulle, and the revolution of 1968, along with topics such as the construction of the myth of the Resistance, the painful truths of French involvement in anti-Semitic persecution, and France's continuing obsession with national identity.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #30211 in Books
• Published on: 2002-03-14
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 368 pages

Synopsis
The last fifty years of French history have seen immense challenges for the French: constructing a new European order, building a modern economy, searching for a stable political system. It has also been a time of anxiety and doubt. The French have had to come to terms with the legacy of the German Occupation, the loss of Empire, the political and social implications of the influx of foreign immigrants, the rise of Islam, the destruction of rural life, and the threat of Anglo-American culture to French language and civilization. Robert Gildea's account examines the French political system and France's role in the world from 1945 to 2000. He looks at France's attempt to recover national greatness after the Second World War, its attempt to deal with the fear of German resurgence by building the European Community, and its struggle to preserve its Empire. He also discusses the Algerian War and its legacy, and the later development of a neo-colonialism to preserve its influence in Africa and the Pacific.

Gildea also examines the rise and fall of the two Republics, the rise of and fall of De Gaulle, and the revolution of 1968, along with topics such as the construction of the myth of the Resistance, the painful truths of French involvement in anti-Semitic persecution, and France's continuing obsession with national identity.

About the Author
Robert Gildea is a Fellow and tutor in Modern History at Merton College, Oxford. He is the author of the acclaimed book Barricades and Borders.

Customer Reviews

A classic precis
To attempt to cover 45 odd years of French history in a short-book is almost foolhardy. Gildea, however, through his planning and preparation is able to offer authority and insight even when dealing with events in brief fashion. For a student of France or for an inquisitive individual wanting to understand more about how the past has shaped the present within the Hexagon this is an excellent digest.

Good start
Really enjoyed this book as it cover all the major events in France after the war. Thankfully it covered not just political events, but the major changes in French culture, prosperity, and attitude (including the special status of their farmers in the national psyche). I really enjoyed reading this book, and would certainly recommend it to anyone curious but not too familiar with the French.

excellent introduction, and an easy and entertaining read
The innovative organisation of this book is what really distinguishes it from other works. Instead of simply trudging through the historical events in chronological order, each chapter focuses on a particular theme, such as the impact of the war in Algeria, or the treatment of women in French society. Not only does this make the book very entertaining, as it gives the reader a multi faceted look into post war French history which is often absent in other books; it also makes it very easy to read, as each chapter is self contained. The critical viewpoint evident in many places is also welcome, as there are too many books on France written by people who seem to idealise the country and overlook its faults. All in all, an excellent introduction into the subject, and highly recommended for people with a passing interest in modern France.