In the beginning of the 20th century, the tensions between the countries of Europe began increasing. There were immense political, colonial and commercial rivalries between the great powers. Nationalism was growing. At that time regional crises also happened like those in Morocco and in the Balkans.
With the agreements of 1893, France formed a Triple Entente with Russia. Russia was already allied to Serbia. France also formed a Triple Entente with Britain through the Entente Cordiale that was signed in 1904.
Against the Triple Entente, were the Central Powers of the Triple Alliance. The Triple Alliance dates back to 1882. Germany, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Italy were the Central Powers of of the Triple Alliance. They had support from the Ottoman Empire.
The heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne was assassinated on 28 June, 1914 in Sarajevo. The assassin was a Bosnian Serb. This event sparked the First World War.
France joined forces with Britain and Russia. It went on war with Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire on 3 August, 1914. France and its allies were later joined by Italy and the United States.
The conflict lasted for four years, from 1914-1918. France emerged victorious. France had to suffer immense losses in the War. The North and the east of the country had become waste. There was a severe impact of the war on the national economy. The war had led to human loss on a wide scale. Around 1.5 million young men were killed. More than three million people were wounded. The birth rate was decreasing at an alarming rate. This was an issue of concern as the population growth in the country was already very low.
The political parties of France came together for the defence of the nation. They collectively formed the Union Sacree.
The right-wing coalitions dominated the political life in the 1920s. From 1924-1926, the Cartel des Gauches dominated the political scenario. In December 1920, the French Communist Party was formed. The Socialist Left was divided.
Then, the Great Depression started in 1929. There were financial and social problems. As a result, the international situation became worse. In Italy, the Fascists were ruling and in Germany, the Nazis were ruling. Consequently, the divisions in France deepened.
As a result, many movements began. These movements were nationalist conservative or extreme right-wing anti-parliamentary. There were numerous violent demonstrations. The demonstration on 6 February 1934 led to the formation of the Popular Front. The Popular Front was an anti-fascist alliance of Socialists, Communists and Radicals.
In the 1936 elections, the reunited Left emerged victorious. Many reforms such as the 40-hour working week, collective bargaining, paid holidays etc were introduced by the Popular Front government headed by Leon Blum.
Edouard Daladier was the new president of the Council. On 3 September, 1939, he committed France to the Second World War.
The Second World War left France with double scars. France was defeated by the German forces.
The Nazis invaded France in May 1940. Many civilians had to flee their homes. An armistice was signed on 22 June, 1940. France was divided into two zones. One zone was occupied and the other was free.
After the Third Republic collapsed, the Parliament gave full powers to Petain on 10 July, 1940. Petain was a famous hero of the First World War, who set up a new regime. Vichy was the provincial capital of the French State.
This regime discriminated against the Jews. From 1941 onwards, they were subject to a special statute. The Collaboration with Nazi Germany started on 24 October 1940. This meeting was between Petain and Hitler.
This lead the Vichy government to support the war effort of the conquerors. It assisted in the deportation of Jews. The Legion of French Volunteers fought on the Eastern Front.
Resistance paved way for the new post-war France. This resistance was born on 18 June, 1940. General de Gaulle issued a call to the French to continue fighting alongside the Allies. Resistance within France grew stronger and developed into networks. These networks provided assistance to the Allies in the form of intelligence and military support at the time of Normandy Landings.
North Africa was liberated by the Allies in November, 1942. Jean Moulin, delegate of General de Gaulle played a crucial role in uniting the main resistance organizations into the National Resistance Council (CNR). General de Gaulle set up a provincial government of the French Republic. It's members were taken from the ranks of the CNR.
Resistance was important for France as it helped in convincing British, American and Soviet politicians in considering it one of the victorious Allies. France was also there at the signing of Germany's capitulation on 8 May, 1945. The Resistance, personified by de Gaulle helped France in holding on to its international position despite the fact that, it was defeated at the military front.
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