Charles de Secondat

The Democracy of France France has had a tumultuous political history. From the reigns of absolute monarchs, that led to French Revolution to the empire of Napoleon Bonaparte. Today, France is a democratic parliamentary republic called the Fifth Republic. France generally is a well-to do country, but it is currently having issues. Economic concerns, like lack of growth and unemployment, have shook the country. Other issues, like terrorism, have left citizens afraid and unprotected by their…

Comparing the similarities and differences between ideological shifts that took place worlds away is essential to understanding the world we live in. In Fidel Castro’s An Interview with Dan Rather, Maximillian Robespierre’s Revolutionary Speech, and Charles de Gaulle’s Comments on Algeria one can examine the similarities and differences in ideological shifts. Each differed in the transition of their political beliefs and the ethnic background of their movements while remaining strikingly similar…

“My policy is to govern men as the great number wish to be governed. That I think, is the way to recognize the sovereignty of the people.” This was stated by none other than Napoleon Bonaparte, a notorious leader and enlightened despot of the nineteenth century who was both an authoritarian and egalitarian. Through his use of relentless nationalism towards France, Napoleon utilized his influence and authority to ameliorate the lives of French citizens. Bonaparte received his power from the…

During World War II, France had given in an signed an armistice of peace. France was easily invaded because things were all over the place. France was not a united nation, they had a disorganized army, no formal government, and a wrong assumed attack plan. Ultimately, there was a feeling of French weakness but with a good reason. France wanted to save anything they could to preserve their culture and politics. Marianne in Chains, written by Robert Gildea explores the daily lives of the French…

When you look back on life you will have traveled to many places, seen many things, and met many people, however there are some places you go along the way that will impact you forever, and leave you with many stories to tell for all your friends, and family to hear. I know I am still young and have not experienced nearly half of the journey’s that I will go on later in life, nonetheless there is one place that I will truly remember for eternity, and most certainly tell my children about. That…

GEN Eisenhower excelled as a staff officer and mobilizing troops which is why GEN Marshall accelerated promotions and assigned him to lead offensive operations in the European theatre. Critical thinking became a critical skill that GEN Eisenhower used to his advantage when making difficult decisions. GEN Eisenhower faced many strategic decisions while commanding Allied Forces in North Africa and as the Commander of Supreme Allied Command in Europe. The ‘Darlan Deal’ in North Africa and the…

The French army, “landing in June 1830,” easily overpowered the forces of the “dey.” But this success brought France only a small region round Algiers. The city of Constantine holds out “against the French for seven years.” In the meantime the invading force was also under threat from the strong amir of Mascara, Abd-el-Kader. “In 1839 Abd-el-Kader proclaimed a jihad, or holy war,” against the Christian intruders. He finally surrendered in1847. He was promised a safe conduct to a Muslim country.…

The Enlightenment of the eighteenth century created a wide spread ideal that men were entitle to equal rights and protection under the law as a birth right; which led to The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen of 1789. Before the Enlightenment, John Locke 's Social Contract Theory of 1690 laid a foundation for the men of the eighteenth century to expand on. Another major contributor to the authors of the Declaration was the American Revolution. Because so many Frenchmen…

France desired cultural and economic independence. In order to achieve sovereignty, General De Gaulle, who was the French president from 1958-69, began to manipulate international organizations to suit French interests. For instance, De Gaulle withdrew France from NATO in 1966 and testified Great Britain’s entry into the EC. Furthermore, at the summer Paris conference of 1946, French leaders requested that the Ruhr…

“A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens scrutinizes the aristocracy by telling tales of injustice during the French Revolution. Dickens employs this notion through a few quintessential events such as, the death of Gaspard’s son, Foulon’s escape and through the French treatment of the impecunious. In the second book, “A Golden Thread,” the Marquis St. Evrémonde runs over a peasant child when racing his carriage through a town. To absolve himself of his own crime, he throws out a few coins to…