This book explores the interplay between liberalism and imperialism in Second Empire France. By examining the political dimension of imperial expansion and the power of words in shaping public opinion, it sheds light on the ways in which liberal ideas developed in the nineteenth century. In contrast to Britain, French imperialism in the third quarter of the nineteenth century was fostered by a Bonapartist regime that liberals needed to fight in order to build their own political brand. The author argues that the 1860s were not so much a period of 'liberal empire' in France as has traditionally been suggested, since liberals were in fact more conveyers of political change rather than supporters of the regime. To demonstrate how French liberals succeeded in configuring an alternative political option, the book explores their attitudes to the expanding colonial empire of Napoleon III in the 1850s and 60s through the analysis of parliamentary debates, the press and published texts. Providing three in-depth case studies on Bonapartist expansion projects in Algeria, Cochinchina and Mexico, the book provides new insights on the foundations of the liberal position on imperialism, and the intellectual outlooks and belief systems that informed these views. Analysing discourses and ideas, as opposed to facts and policies, this book presents a new perspective on the nature of the French Second Empire and illustrates how this shaped a specific liberal political culture in France. Miquel de la Rosa is a doctor in History and Civilisation by the European University Institute in Florence, Italy. He also holds a Master's in World History and a BA in Journalism by the University Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain. He has taught modern history courses at Sciences Po in France, and worked as a text editor at several academic institutions.

This book explores the interplay between liberalism and imperialism in Second Empire France. By examining the political dimension of imperial expansion and the power of words in shaping public opinion, it sheds light on the ways in which liberal ideas developed in the nineteenth century. In contrast to Britain, French imperialism in the third quarter of the nineteenth century was fostered by a Bonapartist regime that liberals needed to fight in order to build their own political brand. The author argues that the 1860s were not so much a period of ‘liberal empire’ in France as has traditionally been suggested, since liberals were in fact more conveyers of political change rather than supporters of the regime. To demonstrate how French liberals succeeded in configuring an alternative political option, the book explores their attitudes to the expanding colonial empire of Napoleon III in the 1850s and 60s through the analysis of parliamentary debates, the press and published texts. Providing three in-depth case studies on Bonapartist expansion projects in Algeria, Cochinchina and Mexico, the book provides new insights on the foundations of the liberal position on imperialism, and the intellectual outlooks and belief systems that informed these views. Analysing discourses and ideas, as opposed to facts and policies, this book presents a new perspective on the nature of the French Second Empire and illustrates how this shaped a specific liberal political culture in France.

Derek Hastings's Nationalism in Modern Europe is the essential guide to a potent political and cultural phenomenon that featured prominently across the modern era. With firm grounding in transnational and global contexts, the book traces the story of nationalism in Europe from the French Revolution to the present. Hastings reflects on various nationalist ideas and movements across Europe, and always with a keen appreciation of other prevalent signifiers of belonging – such as religion, race, class and gender – which helps to inform and strengthen the analysis. The text shines a light on key historiographical trends and debates and includes 20 images, 14 maps and a range of primary source excerpts which can serve to sharpen vital analytical skills which are crucial to the subject. New content and features for the second edition include: - A chapter examining region, religion, class and gender as alternative 'markers of identity' throughout the 19th century - An enhanced global dimension that covers transnational fascism and non-European comparatives - Additional primary source excerpts and figures - Historiographical updates throughout which account for recent research in the field

The National Book Award–winning historian’s “vivid and moving” eyewitness account of the fall of France to Hitler’s Third Reich at the outset of WWII (The New York Times). As an international war correspondent and radio commentator during World War II, William L. Shirer didn’t just research the fall of France. He was there. In just six weeks, he watched the Third Reich topple one of the world’s oldest military powers—and institute a rule of terror and paranoia. Based on in-person conversations with the leaders, diplomats, generals, and ordinary citizens who both shaped the events and lived through them, Shirer constructs a compelling account of historical events without losing sight of the human experience. From the heroic efforts of the Freedom Fighters to the tactical military misjudgments that caused the fall and the daily realities of life for French citizens under Nazi rule, this fascinating and exhaustively documented account brings this significant episode of history to life. “This is a companion effort to Shirer’s The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, also voluminous but very readable, reflecting once again both Shirer’s own experience and an enormous mass of historical material well digested and assimilated.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)