Economical

France has changed very much economically throughout the years. In the beginning of the school year, no country was really doing well economically because of the Black Death. France dug out of the hole and was involved in a few years. Then Napoleon came and really put them in debt during the Napoleonic Wars and spending money on the army. Until the French Revolution, everyone was quite poor and unemployed. After the revolution, they were doing much better. Then, came World War one and two in which there was a lot of unemployment like in other parts of the world. Now, France is doing well and isn't involved with any foreign affairs really.

Social

Ah how far France has come! From everyday living on the streets to the arts and music, to architecture and literature. People have begun to open arms and really show love towards one another. Reform is still to be made however much does not need to be changed. Since the beginning France along with many other European nations have struggled to successfully thrive, however France has conquered especially is the social aspects. World War 2 has ended and life is settling back down. I remember back in the Renaissance when nothing but chaos tended to plague the street, the government, and all aspects of life. Now, France can begin its long life of harmony and peaceful living with one another. Will we hit another social rut? Im sure. But until than, lets love and live peacefully along side one another.

What has France Become?

France is now an independent nation in Western Europe and has become the center of a large overseas administration. It is the third-largest European nation. Since the 17th century, France has played a major role in European and world events. In the 20th century, it experienced numerous crises, including the devastation of two world wars, political and social upheavals, and the loss of a large empire in Indochina, Algeria, and West and Africa. It has, however, survived and emerged from the ruins of World War II to become an important world supplier of agricultural and industrial products and a major partner in the EUROPEAN COMMUNITY (EC, or Common Market).

France: Post World War II 1946-1958

The Fourth Republic

The republican government of France between 1946 and 1958, known as the Fourth Republic was governed by the fourth republican constitution. It was in many ways a revival of the Thrid Republic which was in place before World War II, and had many of the same problems. France agreed on the constitution of the Fourth Republic on October 13, 1946.Some attempts were made to strengthen the executive branch of government, to prevent the unstable situation that had existed before the war, but the weakened end remained and the Fourth Republic saw frequent changes in government. The Fourth Republic oversaw an era of great economic growth in France and the rebuilding of the nation's social institutions and industry after the war. Yet, it is best remembered for its constant political instability and inability to take bold decisions regarding decolonization.

The Rise of radical Ideas Post 1815

Dear Journal,

As the years pass by I realize that myself; an upper middle class aristocratic man seeking a certain lifestyle, has seen history write itself as my great country of France reacts to or is effected by the early stages of radical thought and socialism. For me the idea of Liberalism was a way of business and life I was thrilled with being involved with. Liberalism demanded representative government, equality before the law, and individual freedoms. Economically this was known as laissez-faire; an economy left unregulated. It was my kind of economy even being referred to as a middle-class doctrine, it was used to exclude the lower classes from government and business though. But, Liberalism wasn't the only radical change in thought in Europe and France that I had the pleasure of experiencing.

Nationalism followed shortly thereafter 1815 it was the idea of cultural unity. Nationalists wanted to turn cultural unity into political reality, they wanted people with common beliefs to have more of a common bond this new industrial society needed better communication with language and cultural unity. Nationalists believed that every nation had the right to exist in freedom. This idea of nationalism was more political then what I was really interested in as an upper middle class man, but I believe that having strong pride for ones nation is important.


I can't wait to see if any other radical ideas develop in the next few years.. this time in France in very exciting for me! I am fortunate to be well educated and realize that history is happening right before my eyes.. I wonder whats next!


Till next time,
John J. Dubois

The Main Objective of the Congress of Vienna and the Effects of Napoleon on France...

The Congress dealt with numerous issues: the status of our nation (France), the new political boundaries, the response to liberal and national attitudes sweeping the continent, the fate of those powers who had lost territory during Napoleon's wars, and the future of dispossessed dynasties. The solutions proposed were moderate ones. We (France) were orignially allowed to return to our 1792 boundaries; however, after Napoleon's return and the One Hundred Days, the allies cut back the boundaries and gave us even more penalties. They pretty much just ignored the democratic, liberal, and nationalistic forces in favor of a traditional solution to the upheavals of the past twenty-five years. The events since 1789 had greatly altered the map of Europe. I mean come on the thousand-year-old Holy Roman Empire had disappeared. In an attempt to restore some balance, the Congress followed four principles: legitimacy, encirclement of France, compensation, and balance of power. France would never be the same.

France vs. Britain

We (France) were at first going along with the same things as Britain but then we decided to deceive them so we could win. Napoleon had shafted us of many territories so we at least wanted to make those territories we once controlled go to good countries. Britain had some of the same views as us but we had to go against them towards the end as it seemed like we had very different viewpoints.