Lecture

Charles De Gaulle

This module focuses on Charles de Gaulle's influence in postwar France, exploring his political and symbolic significance. Key discussions include:

  • De Gaulle's role in shaping modern French politics
  • The construction of his authority in relation to the French populace
  • The ideological environment shaped by U.S.-Soviet opposition
  • The lasting impact of de Gaulle's symbolic originality on French identity

Students will analyze how de Gaulle's legacy continues to shape contemporary perceptions of leadership and national identity in France.


Course Lectures
  • This introductory module sets the stage for the course by presenting an overview of the syllabus and key texts. Professor Merriman will discuss:

    • The significance of national and linguistic identity in France
    • The impact of the two world wars on society
    • Key historical figures and the experiences of everyday citizens

    Students will understand the multifaceted nature of French history and the themes that will be explored throughout the course.

  • The Paris Commune of 1871 serves as a pivotal moment in French history, representing revolutionary fervor and its aftermath. This module will cover:

    • The significance and impact of the Commune on European politics
    • The social challenges faced, including food shortages and disease
    • Progressive social measures initiated during the Commune
    • The brutal reprisals that followed and their long-term effects on leftist movements

    Students will analyze the Commune's legacy and its implications for future political ideologies in France.

  • This module examines the evolution of the French state into a centralized republic, shaped by historical events. Key topics include:

    • The origins of France's centralized state post-French Revolution
    • The relationship between Paris and non-Parisian regions
    • The establishment of the enduring republic in 1875 amidst competing political claims
    • The role of workers and peasants in supporting the republic

    Students will assess how centralization has influenced regional identities and political dynamics in France.

  • This module investigates the development of French national identity, particularly in rural areas. Students will explore:

    • The evolution of a French national identity amidst regional dialects
    • The modernization of the French language and its impact
    • The coexistence of local cultural practices and official discourse
    • How identity formation reflects the complexities of modern France

    By examining these elements, students will understand the nuanced relationship between national and regional identities in France.

  • Workshop and Factory
    John Merriman

    This module focuses on the evolving role of religion in France post-Revolution. Key discussions include:

    • Two forms of de-Christianization: political separation and decline in practice
    • The historical significance of church and state separation
    • The ambiguous decline in religious participation and its cultural implications
    • The enduring influence of Catholicism in French culture

    Students will analyze how these changes affected social values and individual beliefs throughout modern French history.

  • This module examines the effects of the Industrial Revolution on French society, emphasizing the role of artisan workers. Key points include:

    • The significance of non-factory occupations in the industrial landscape
    • The emergence of labor movements led by artisan workers
    • The notion of industrial discipline imposed by factories
    • Workers' rebellion against industrial discipline, often manifesting in strikes

    Students will understand the broader societal impacts of industrialization beyond mere factory work.

  • This module delves into the rise of mass politics and socialism in France, focusing on the ideological divide between revolutionary and reformist socialists. Key discussions include:

    • The competition between revolutionary socialists and reform socialists
    • Key figures in the socialist movement: Jules Guesdes and Paul Brousse
    • The impact of Jean Jaures on shaping French socialism
    • Historical context of socialism's evolution in political discourse

    Students will learn about the complexities and conflicts within the socialist movement that influenced French politics.

  • This module examines the anarchist movement in France during the late nineteenth century. Key topics include:

    • The differences between anarchists and other leftist movements, such as syndicalism
    • Emile Henry's role in modern terrorism and radical politics
    • The impact of anarchist violence on state and civilian life
    • The relationship between individual acts of terrorism and state terrorism

    Students will analyze the motivations and consequences of anarchist actions within the broader political landscape of France.

  • This module focuses on two major crises in nineteenth-century France: the Boulanger Affair and the Dreyfus Affair. Discussions will cover:

    • The emergence of anti-Semitism and its connection to Far Right politics
    • The impact of the German conquest of Alsace and Lorraine on nationalism
    • The role of popular media in shaping political orientations
    • The societal repercussions of these political crises

    Students will analyze how these events reflect the tensions in French society during this era.

  • This module examines the cultural significance of cafes and alcohol in French society. Key discussions include:

    • The historical role of drinking in French culture
    • Alcohol abuse and its societal implications
    • Literary representations of alcoholism, notably Zola's L'Assomoir
    • The social functions of different types of bars and their cultural significance

    Students will gain insights into how alcohol shapes social interactions and cultural identity in France.

  • This module explores the transformation of Paris during the Belle Époque, emphasizing urban development and class division. Key topics include:

    • The rebuilding of Paris under Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann
    • The impact of industrial development on city structure
    • The persistent class division between central Paris and its periphery
    • Comparative analysis of urban structures in American cities versus Paris

    Students will analyze how urban planning and industrialization shaped social dynamics in modern Paris.

  • French Imperialism
    Charles Keith

    This module examines the role of French imperialism in shaping national identity and cultural self-presentation. Key discussions include:

    • The colonial properties as a response to the loss of Alsace and Lorraine
    • The transition from military to civilian administration in colonies
    • The cultural implications of empire and colonialism in France
    • The decline of the French empire post-World War I

    Students will analyze how colonialism influenced France's identity and its perception on the global stage.

  • This module investigates the origins of World War I, emphasizing the diplomatic landscape of Europe. Key topics include:

    • The formation of improbable alliances among nations
    • The ideological compromise between France and Russia
    • The role of imperial ambitions in escalating tensions
    • The growth of nationalist sentiment leading to conflict

    Students will assess how these factors contributed to the outbreak of war and shaped European history.

  • Trench Warfare
    John Merriman

    This module examines the experience of trench warfare during World War I, focusing on its psychological and physical toll. Key points include:

    • The concept of sacred union among French political parties
    • The German invasion's impact on French morale and national investment in the war
    • The introduction of new weaponry and trench warfare tactics
    • The gruesome realities faced by soldiers on all fronts

    Students will analyze how these experiences influenced public perception and collective memory of the war.

  • The Home Front
    John Merriman

    This module focuses on the home front in France during World War I, particularly in the pivotal year of 1917. Discussions will include:

    • The impact of the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia on French politics
    • Woodrow Wilson's entry into the war and its implications
    • The rise of mutinies and strikes among French troops
    • The challenges faced by soldiers reintegrating into civilian life post-war

    Students will assess how these factors shaped the public sentiment and political landscape during and after the war.

  • This module explores the themes of grief and memory in the aftermath of World War I. Key discussions include:

    • The human cost of war beyond mere statistics
    • The private and public dimensions of mourning
    • The significance of memorials, such as the Unknown Soldier
    • The rituals and procedures associated with bereavement in French society

    Students will analyze how collective grief influenced national identity and memory in post-war France.

  • The Popular Front
    John Merriman

    This module investigates the emergence of the Popular Front in France, focusing on the political climate after World War I. Key topics include:

    • The rise of Far Right and fascist organizations in post-war France
    • The reconciliation of tensions between communists and socialists in the Popular Front
    • The economic and social conditions that led to its formation
    • The legacy of the Popular Front's reforms for French workers

    Students will analyze how the Popular Front shaped political discourse and labor rights in France.

  • This module examines Vichy France, focusing on collaboration with the Nazis during World War II. Key points include:

    • The obscured role of French collaboration post-war
    • The ideological foundation of the Vichy regime based on nationalism
    • The complexities of civilian involvement in collaboration and resistance
    • The political environment shaped by de Gaulle's vision

    Students will analyze how Vichy France's legacy has influenced contemporary French politics and identity.

  • Resistance
    John Merriman

    This module explores the nature of resistance in France during World War II. Key discussions include:

    • The core role of the communist Left in the resistance movement
    • The diverse backgrounds of resistors, including various faiths and ideologies
    • The geographical distribution of resistance movements across France
    • The importance of passive resistance among civilians during the occupation

    Students will analyze how these elements shaped the narrative of resistance in France and its historical significance.

  • This module investigates the post-war sentiments towards Americanization in France. Key topics include:

    • The historical context of anti-Americanism directed at government and corporations
    • The implications of the Marshall Plan on French perceptions
    • The establishment of American military bases in France
    • The reaction to the influx of American products and cultural imports

    Students will analyze how these dynamics have shaped contemporary French attitudes toward American influence.

  • Vietnam and Algeria
    John Merriman

    This module examines the complexities of France's colonial territories, particularly Algeria, post-World War II. Key discussions include:

    • The significance of Algeria for French national identity and politics
    • The involvement of French settlers, known as pieds-noirs
    • The right-wing factions' resistance against Algerian independence
    • The impact of de Gaulle's withdrawal from Algeria on political discourse

    Students will analyze how these colonial legacies continue to affect contemporary French political life and identity.

  • Charles De Gaulle
    John Merriman

    This module focuses on Charles de Gaulle's influence in postwar France, exploring his political and symbolic significance. Key discussions include:

    • De Gaulle's role in shaping modern French politics
    • The construction of his authority in relation to the French populace
    • The ideological environment shaped by U.S.-Soviet opposition
    • The lasting impact of de Gaulle's symbolic originality on French identity

    Students will analyze how de Gaulle's legacy continues to shape contemporary perceptions of leadership and national identity in France.

  • May 1968
    John Merriman

    This module explores the student protests of May 1968 in France, connecting them to broader international movements. Key topics include:

    • The links between May 1968 protests and global anti-war sentiments
    • The conditions in French schools that fueled student discontent
    • Comparisons between contemporary reform efforts and those of 1968
    • The ongoing relevance of these protests in modern French society

    Students will analyze the impact of May 1968 on French cultural and political landscapes.

  • Immigration
    John Merriman

    This module examines the challenges posed by immigration and European unification in contemporary France. Key discussions include:

    • The rise of xenophobia and its impact on French culture
    • The implications of the European Constitution referendum defeat
    • The threat to the national ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity
    • Ongoing issues surrounding identity and immigration policy

    Students will analyze the complexities of immigration in shaping contemporary French society and culture.