After uncertain beginnings, the Third republic managed to survive numerous crises until the defeat of 1940 sealed its fate. Re(discover) this exciting period, its actors and how their policies shaped modern France
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Political and social developments in France between 1871 and 1944
What will we cover?
Topics will include: - The Paris Commune - The birth of the Third Republic - The Belle Epoque - The consequences of the First World War - The 1920s and early 1930s: crises and the rise of extremism - The Front Populaire - The Vichy Regime
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Identify the four main challenges the Republic was confronted to between the 1870s and 1900. Identify the main actors who played a key role in French politics during the Third Republic. Explain why, in spite of various crises, the period 1900-1914 is known as “la Belle Epoque” Analyse and discuss constructively some of the key social changes that occurred during the 1930s. Analyse and discuss the reasons behind the fall of the Third Republic. Analyse the responsibility of the Vichy regime in the persecution, deportation and extermination of Jews
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Some background knowledge about France would be useful but is not essential. A good standard of English is required.
An open mind and willingness to participate, respectfully, in class discussion and debate.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be a combination of lectures and discussions in small and large groups. Handouts will be available for each session. Material to prepare each session will be available on the website for the course. When appropriate, there will be videos and slides.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring a pen and paper. Books will be recommended but students are not required to purchase them if they do not wish. This is not an examined course. There are no extra costs.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HEH72 Modern France: from de Gaulle and the Resistance to Macron
After under- and post-graduate studies in Politics and History in both France and the UK, Sébastien settled in London. He has been teaching at the City Lit since 2001. Over the years, he has covered many different subjects, including politics, history, economy and culture of Latin America, French modern history, European history, global issues and current affairs. In his classes, Sébastien hopes to give learners the skills, tools and information that can help them not only to make sense of the world we live in but also to understand the origins of the key issues we face.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/modern-france-from-the-paris-commune-to-the-vichy-regime174603Modern France: from the Paris Commune to the Vichy Regimehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/m/o/modern-france-heh72-1024.jpg179179GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/European history/Courses/vm/War and society/Courses/vm/Courses in democracy, rights and representation2285117711781182133931368112285117711781653<p>After uncertain beginnings, the Third republic managed to survive numerous crises until the defeat of 1940 sealed its fate. Re(discover) this exciting period, its actors and how their policies shaped modern France</p> <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">Political and social developments in France between 1871 and 1944.</div>152816406Modern France: from the Paris Commune to the Vichy Regime179179https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/m/o/modern-france-heh72-1024_8.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-04-21T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHEH72179179Modern France: from the Paris Commune to the Vichy Regime143116179Sebastien Ardouinmodern-france-from-the-paris-commune-to-the-vichy-regime/heh72-2526<p>After uncertain beginnings, the Third republic managed to survive numerous crises until the defeat of 1940 sealed its fate. Re(discover) this exciting period, its actors and how their policies shaped modern France</p>0000-Available|2026-04-21 00:00:00<p>Political and social developments in France between 1871 and 1944</p><p>After uncertain beginnings, the Third republic managed to survive numerous crises until the defeat of 1940 sealed its fate. Re(discover) this exciting period, its actors and how their policies shaped modern France</p><p>Topics will include:<br/>- The Paris Commune<br/>- The birth of the Third Republic<br/>- The Belle Epoque<br/>- The consequences of the First World War<br/>- The 1920s and early 1930s: crises and the rise of extremism<br/>- The Front Populaire<br/>- The Vichy Regime<br/> </p><p>Identify the four main challenges the Republic was confronted to between the 1870s and 1900.<br/>Identify the main actors who played a key role in French politics during the Third Republic.<br/>Explain why, in spite of various crises, the period 1900-1914 is known as “la Belle Epoque”<br/>Analyse and discuss constructively some of the key social changes that occurred during the 1930s.<br/>Analyse and discuss the reasons behind the fall of the Third Republic.<br/>Analyse the responsibility of the Vichy regime in the persecution, deportation and extermination of Jews<br/> </p><p>Some background knowledge about France would be useful but is not essential.<br/> A good standard of English is required.</p><p>An open mind and willingness to participate, respectfully, in class discussion and debate. </p><p>The course will be a combination of lectures and discussions in small and large groups. Handouts will be available for each session. Material to prepare each session will be available on the website for the course. When appropriate, there will be videos and slides.</p><p>Please bring a pen and paper.<br/>Books will be recommended but students are not required to purchase them if they do not wish. This is not an examined course. There are no extra costs.<br/> </p><p>HEH72 Modern France: from de Gaulle and the Resistance to Macron</p>HistoryEuropean historyvirtual143179116HEH72NONETue21/04/26 - 26/05/2615:00 - 17:0015:0017:006 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetSebastien ArdouinAvailable courses2026-04-21T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2026Culture, history & humanities179179Modern France: from the Paris Commune to the Vichy Regimemodern-france-from-the-paris-commune-to-the-vichy-regime/heh72-2526<p>After uncertain beginnings, the Third republic managed to survive numerous crises until the defeat of 1940 sealed its fate. Re(discover) this exciting period, its actors and how their policies shaped modern France</p>0000-Available|2026-04-21 00:00:00<p>Political and social developments in France between 1871 and 1944</p><p>After uncertain beginnings, the Third republic managed to survive numerous crises until the defeat of 1940 sealed its fate. Re(discover) this exciting period, its actors and how their policies shaped modern France</p><p>Topics will include:<br/>- The Paris Commune<br/>- The birth of the Third Republic<br/>- The Belle Epoque<br/>- The consequences of the First World War<br/>- The 1920s and early 1930s: crises and the rise of extremism<br/>- The Front Populaire<br/>- The Vichy Regime<br/> </p><p>Identify the four main challenges the Republic was confronted to between the 1870s and 1900.<br/>Identify the main actors who played a key role in French politics during the Third Republic.<br/>Explain why, in spite of various crises, the period 1900-1914 is known as “la Belle Epoque”<br/>Analyse and discuss constructively some of the key social changes that occurred during the 1930s.<br/>Analyse and discuss the reasons behind the fall of the Third Republic.<br/>Analyse the responsibility of the Vichy regime in the persecution, deportation and extermination of Jews<br/> </p><p>Some background knowledge about France would be useful but is not essential.<br/> A good standard of English is required.</p><p>An open mind and willingness to participate, respectfully, in class discussion and debate. </p><p>The course will be a combination of lectures and discussions in small and large groups. Handouts will be available for each session. Material to prepare each session will be available on the website for the course. When appropriate, there will be videos and slides.</p><p>Please bring a pen and paper.<br/>Books will be recommended but students are not required to purchase them if they do not wish. This is not an examined course. There are no extra costs.<br/> </p><p>HEH72 Modern France: from de Gaulle and the Resistance to Macron</p>HistoryEuropean historyconfigurable
11821178European historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/european-history1/2/285/1177/1178/11821/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/European history
