In this compact and tightly argued essay, the author maintains that the French Third Republic - and European history during this period in general - can only be understood if particular attention is paid to the special relationship that existed between France and Germany.
Preface
Chapter 1. An Unstable Past
Chapter 2. An Improvised State
Chapter 3. A Voluntarist Ethic
Chapter 4. A Flagging Demography
Chapter 5. A Stagnant Economy
Chapter 6. A Sexist Tradition
Chapter 7. An Educated Elite
Chapter 8. A Xenophobic Style
Chapter 9. A Socialist Revival
Chapter 10. A Strange Defeat?
Epilogue
Further Reading
Index