The Third Republic in France, 1870-1940: Conflicts and Continuities

This book is an essential introduction to the major political problems, debates and conflicts which are central to the history of the Third Republic in France, from the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1 to the fall of France in June 1940. Illuminating the contemporary issues of the day through a wealth of primary sources including memoir literature, personal correspondence, parliamentary debates, public speeches, contemporary newspapers, and government documents. The Third Republic in France, 1870-1940 provides an engrossing first-hand account of life in this defining period of French history. This book provides original sources, detailed commentary and helpful chronologies and bibliographies on: the emergence of the regime and the Paris Commune of 1871 Franco-German relations the character of the Third Republic and the nature of French Republicanism and Socialism anti-Semitism and the Dreyfus Affair the role of women and the importance of the national birth-rate the character of the French Right and of French fascism.