France Since 1870: Culture, Politics and Society

by Charles Sowerwine

This fascinating, authoritative history describes the great political, economic, cultural, and social events that have defined the period, from the convulsive establishment of a French republic to the apotheosis of French national culture in World War I, from the acrimonious failure of the 1930s and the Occupation to France's resurgence as a central focus of postwar Europe. The book ends with President Mitterand's retirement, an epochal event that marked the severing of France's last link with the Vichy government and the Fourth Republic.

Genres: History, France, Nonfiction, Politics

505 pages, Paperback

First published November 9, 2000

Reviews

[Sheri Fresonke Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book helpful in understanding the background history, politics and culture of France starting at the end of the Franco-Prussian war. The coverage of events like World War I, World War II focus on what the foundation of current difficulties are related to government decision-making.

I really appreciated the overviews of literature and how they related to the general ideas about what denotes a generation's work--Enlightenment, Modernism, Post-Modernism.

I also appreciated the views of political thought, what made politicians socialists, communists, republicans, etc, which looks confusing to outsiders without background. Also covered is how the economy prevailed during various administrations and how they were changed, as well as the differences between the various Republics. It doesn't go into a lot of details about events but highlights key turning points in history as wells as the prevailing thoughts, hopes, desires and the intent to provide for the French citizen.

[Abi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth it just for the quotation: 'By my green candle, I do not follow you at all'. Overall a nice, simple skim over a large stretch of French history that manages to be light without being trite, and gives a good overview of the period on which to structure further reading. I only read the Third Republic section, because that was what my module was on, but I'm sure the rest was just as comprehensive.

[Michael Kowalchuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sowerwine's descriptions of the ever-shifting and evolving political forces that shaped Modern France were particularly useful. The book was detailed, but not meticulously so, and gave a solid overview of Modern French history from the late 19th century to Sarkozy's presidency. Sowerwine comprehensively presented conflicting arguments related to the nature of the Far Right, the legacy of the Vichy regime and the degree to which the French people resisted during the Occupation.

[Joshua]

fantastic survey, very readable well-organized, good politics.. recommend