What is Belle Epoque in French history?
The term Belle Epoque in French literally translates to ‘Beautiful Age’ and refers to the period in France, between the end of Franco-Prussian War (1871) and the beginning of the First World War (1914). Often referred to as the Golden Age, this period was characterised by high standards of living and security, in contrast to the preceding one humiliation and succeeding devastation in the history of France. Let us understand what was so beautiful about the Belle Epoque.
History of Belle Epoque
During 1870-71, the French army was defeated in the Franco-Prussian war that led to the downfall of the French Second Empire and dictator Napoleon III. Soon after this, the uprising of the Paris Commune (a revolutionary government that took control of Paris between March 18- May 28, 1871) and the fall of General Georges Ernest Boulanger (who threatened to topple the Third Republic) too, occurred. The defeat of Boulanger, and the celebrations of 1889 World's Fair in Paris, marked the beginning of decades of optimism and affluence. French imperialism was at its peak. Third Republic of France was declared under which short-lived governments ruled, and France witnessed almost a century of stability, in contrast to the earlier chaos. The French came up with the motto “Divide us the least” and it referred to the inability of any particular political group to gain extreme power. In fact, it was in sharp contrast to the previous years of wars, revolution, and all-conquering empire. It was truly a century of optimism, peace, technological growth, scientific innovation and cultural expansion.
As believed by several historians, besides France, other parts of western and central Europe (such as Germany) also thrived in the peace and security. These led to the balance of powers across Europe and prevented any more wars. This also led to the expansion of French colonies in Africa, scientific growth and innovation in art, literature and culture.
The glorious times
During the years of Belle Epoque, the industrial output of France had tripled. This led to the growth of industries in the fields of chemicals, aviation, automobiles and electricity. All of France was connected through railways, telegraphs and telephones, making communication smooth. The agricultural industry also gained new machinery and artificial fertilizers. This led to new employment opportunities and significant rise in wages, as all the sections of the society benefitted equally. Fashion and sport industries also evolved to a great extent, while mass entertainment saw the light of a new age with new theatre styles, shorter form of music and realistic literature. As historian R. R. Palmer put it, "European civilisation achieved its greatest power in global politics, and also exerted its maximum influence upon peoples outside Europe.”
A reality away from reality
Despite large scale public and private good, this period too had its dark patches. There were emerging reactionary groups who claimed the age as decadent and degenerate. There also grew racial tensions across France where Jews were being treated as outcasts by the Christian community. Moreover, trade unions and socialist groups also emerged and started organising occasional protests demanding status quo. All of this happened while the rich and affluent kept living utterly opulent lives, with complete disregard to everything else going on around them in France! They were out to show that the rich and poor divide was meant to be and here to stay!