Summary

France offers a broad overview of the history of this nation noted for its cultural and political contributions to civilization. France has played a vital role in the history of the world, and its history illuminates many issues, ideas, and events that are important on a global scope. The Enlightenment, the French Revolution, and French colonialism in the Caribbean, Africa, and Southeast Asia have had a profound impact on the political, social, economic, and cultural shape of the world today.

France provides detailed information on the people, events, and issues that are crucial to the study of French history. It contains easy-to-use reference features such as an A-to-Z dictionary of people, events, and terms as well as a chronology of significant events. In addition, a short narrative history presents students with the essential facts of French history. For any student, non-specialist, or curious reader interested in the modern history of France, from the Renaissance to the present, this is an accessible, useful guide.

Coverage includes:

• Art Nouveau
• Battle of Trafalgar
• Battle of Verdun
• Léon Blum
• Napoléon I
• Crimean War
• René Descartes
• Huguenots
• Jacobins
• Louis XIV
• Positivism
• Resistance
• Socialism in France
• Alexis de Tocqueville
• Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle
• Vichy
• Voltaire
• World Wars I and II
• Émile Zola.

Specifications

Black-and-white photographs and illustrations. Maps. Index. Appendix. Bibliography. Cross-references. Chronology.

About the Author(s)

William J. Roberts received his Ph.D. from the City University of New York (CUNY). He is currently a professor of history at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Roberts is the author or editor of numerous works, including Controversial Concordants: The Church and the Dictators, as well as many articles dealing with French history.