Study of French Culture

Over the past 2 months now I have emerged myself into a fascination with French History and Culture. It began one night after watching the film Marie Antoniette, that I suddenly realized that there was so much I didn't know about French History. When I think of French History I always think of Napoleon Bonaparte, yet I hardly even knew much about him. I thus made it my goal to read, watch, and study anything concerning French history, art, and culture. I have found that it is such a fascinating heritage full of extreme ups-and-downs, dominance, social upheaval, romanticism, and glorious passion.


French History

Over the past few months I have come to believe that France has had one of the most interesting and romantic of histories. It grew to prominence in the 17th century under King Louis XIV, and became the most powerful nation in Europe. It was the center for the Enlightenment, politics, economy, culture, and scientific breakthroughs.

By the late 17th century King Louis XVI hoped to continue French dominance by aiding America in the Revolutionary War against the British. It was this as well as his frivolous wife, Marie Antoinette, that caused France to suffer economically. It was not long until the people grew tired and impatient with the monarchy and in 1789 they rose up against them, in the epic Storming of the Bastille.

This eventually led to the Reign of Terror from 1792-1794 where many citizens were executed including King Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette. Maximilian Robespierre became the leading revolutionary figure during the Reign of Terror and publicly executed those who were against the revolution. The guillotine thus became a symbol of the Terror.

In 1799 a general named Napoleon Bonaparte took control of France through a coup d'etat and established himself as the dictator of a newly established republic. In 1804 he began a military conquest through Europe, and thus established the French Empire. Napoleon was a mastermind general and conquered many parts of Europe throughout the Napoleonic Wars. It wasn't until 1815 at the Battle of Waterloo, that the Napoleon dominance finally came to an end. The French monarchy was once again re-established.

In 1830 another civil uprising took place against the monarchy, during the July Revolution against King Louis-Philippe thus leading to new constitutional changes to the monarchy.

In 1848 Napoleon III, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, became leader of France, and in 1852 became dictator and established France as an empire once again. In 1870 he was defeated in the Franco-Prussian Wars, which led to the Third Republic.

During World War I and most notably World War II, France became an occupied nation by the German forces, and much of the country was left in ruins. Following this they formed a fourth republic and have slowly been back on the rise ever sense.

French Art

The French are highly regarded along with the Italians as masters of Fine Art. Here are some notable artists and artwork that I have come to appreciate over time.

• Claude Monet (Considered the Father of Impressionism)
• Claude Vernet
• Edourad Manet
• Eugene Delacroix (His painting of Liberty Leading the People has become a defining symbol of France)
• Gustavo Dore (An amazing Sketch Artist, most notable of the Divine Comedy)
• Henri Matisse (The Dance)
• Henri Rousseau
• Jean Leon Gerome
• Paul Cezanne
• Pierre Renoir (The Luncheon of the Boating)

French Literature

• Victor Hugo's novel Les Miserables has been often considered as one of the greatest fictional novels of the 19th century. It is a historical fiction set in Paris meshing themes of revolution, love, redemption, and justice. I've decided to begin reading this as soon as I finish "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy, who was also a good friend of Victor Hugo.

French Movies

Marie Antoinette (directed by Sophia Copolla, starring Kirsten Dunst in the title role)

Amelie (directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, starring Audrey Tautou)

Les Miserables (Adaptation of Victor Hugo's masterpiece novel, with Liam Nelson, Geoffrey Rush, Uma Thurman, and

La Vie en Rose (Biopic of Edith Piaf's life, portrayed brilliantly by Marion Cotilliard)

Phantom of the Opera (The story takes place in France, and portrays the brilliance of Opera... I went through a huge obsession with this film back in the wintertime, and is one of the contributing factors of my current fascination with French culture)


French Music

• Edith Piaf (Known as the flying sparrow her voice became the signature music of France, and she became a musical icon back in the 30s and 40s, still considered a legacy to this day)

French Futbol

• World Cup Champions in 1998
• Runners-up in 2006
• Great Players: Zidane, Henry, Ribery, Barthez,

My only real tie to France is my two cousins, Jennifer and Marc who are half-french. I think its safe to say that I've always enjoyed French Culture. It's always been a country high up on my places-to-visit list. The city of Paris is full of classic art and architecture, such as it's signature Eiffel Tower making it the ultimate city of Love and Beauty. Their language is like music to the ears... It is all this that makes French culture one that I highly admire.