ABSTRACT
The chapter presents a chronological approach of the history of French imperialism from 1914 onward. It introduces different stages of this history and shows how key events, such as the two world wars, were able to catalyze certain changes. The author also introduces her readers to recent historiographical developments. She touches upon the heterogeneity of colonial power depending on the territories and addresses the levers of French imperialism, in particular, the role played by violence. The chapter also addresses the issue of the “middle ground,” the nature and evolution of the encounters between the French and colonized people. Finally, it reflects upon the aftermath of French imperialism.
