An Environmental History of France

The series An Environmental History of France  offers, across three volumes, a renewed perspective on modern French history through the lens of socioecological change. In this presentation, two authors will discuss the most recent volumes of the series. The first focuses on the Third Republic (1870–1940), portrayed as a pivotal period shaped by tensions between rural traditions and industrial modernity, alongside an increasing drive to exploit natural resources. It also highlights the decisive influence of the colonial empire and the impact of war in reshaping environments and territories. The second examines the period from World War II to the present, tracing the dynamics of economic growth, the rise of ecological movements, and the growing prominence of environmental concerns in public debate. Together, these contributions provide a rich and insightful overview of the complex relationships between society, the economy, and the environment, offering valuable perspective on the ecological challenges we face today. 

In collaboration with the Chair of History of Technology at TU Berlin and the Berlin-Brandenburg Colloquium for Environmental History

⇒ Participate online