Written in an accessible style and assuming no prior knowledge, the books in the 'Modern History For Modern Languages' series address the specific needs of students on language courses. Approaching the study of history from an interest in contemporary politics and society, each book offers a clear historical narrative and sets its region into a world context.
Chronological in approach, this book focuses on the main events in French political history, including major socio-economic themes where relevant. Events include the French Revolution, the Bourbon Restoration, the July Monarchy, the Second Republic and the Second Empire, the Third Republic, Occupied France, the Fourth Republic, the Gaullist Revolution, After de Gaulle: Pompidou and Giscard and from "La grande alternance" to "normalisation".
Drawing upon the latest research particular emphasis has been given to the role of political memory, the contribution of women and the impact of colonialism and post-colonialism.
A range of pedagogical devices and a lively prose style ensure that the book is tailor-made to the requirements of French language undergraduates.
The book includes:
- Timelines of main events at the start of each chapter
- Glossary-style inserts
- Exhibits concentrating on non-official perspectives to show the ways in which history has impacted upon the lives of ordinary people
- Topics for discussion
- A selection of original documents including songs, posters, diaries and eye-witness accounts
