France

Patrick Wilson assesses the importance of Operation Dynamo.

The anniversary of De Gaulle’s London address to ‘Free France’.

William Doyle discusses traditional and revisionist interpretations of the downfall of the Kings of France, arguing that notions of a 'desacralised monarchy' are inadequate to explain what happened.

Martin Evans contrasts the triumphalism of France’s 1931 Colonial Exhibition in Paris with the rotten reality of its ramshackle empire.

Napoleon Bonaparte took power in France on November 9th/10th 1799, but how did his rise overthrow the revolution?

The Paris Commune of 1871, which ended with the most ferocious outbreak of civil violence in 19th century Europe, is still a subject of intense historical interest and controversy.

The wrongly-convicted French officer was pardoned on September 19th, 1899.

David Chandler tells how Napoleon’s first battle with the British saved the vital port of Toulon – and opened the door to a glittering military career.

Michael Broers describes Napoleon’s efficient police-state and shows how the system became a model for rulers throughout Europe.

Douglas Johnson reconsiders the circumstances in which de Gaulle relinquished his position as President of France and his mythic legacy in French history.