France Since 1815, Second Edition

France since 1815, Second Edition
Part of the Modern History for Modern Languages Series

France since 1815 is a lively, up-to-date introductory text for non-historians studying French which provides an overview of the major political and social change in France. Its clear, accessible structure provides the historical context necessary for language students to understand the complexities of contemporary France.

Chronological in approach, the second edition of France since 1815 spans nearly 200 years of French history and includes chapters on the major events and key periods that have shaped the history of France.

This fully revised edition includes new material that focuses on Chirac's second mandate (Iraq war, religion, suburbs and the inability/impossibility of carrying on with reform), an assessment of the controversial Sarkozy presidency, and a final chapter covering the last 10 years, culminating in the results of the French presidential elections in 2012.

Features include:
- clear timelines of main events and suggested topics for discussion
- glossary inserts throughout of key terms and concepts
- the use of primary documents to re-create and understand the past
- free access to a website containing a wealth of complementary material

Drawing on 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. The relationship between France and her European partners is analysed in greater depth and there are new sections explicitly situating France and the French within a wider transnational/global perspective.

Martin Evans, Professor in Contemporary European History and Emmanuel Godin, Principal Lecturer, are both at the School of Language and Area Studies at the University of Portsmouth, UK.