An article in The Irish Times highlights the arguments of France’s pre-eminent First World War historian, Professor Jean-Jacques Becker, who believes that “consciously or unconsciously, the French have the Great War in their hearts”.
He argues that the First World War is, along with the French Revolution “the founding event in French history” and that the First World War is “more fundamental to French identity” than the Second World War, as “the French fought in the Great War, whereas they were victims in the Second”.
To read the full article, visit The Irish Times website here.
Date of article publication: 03/05/2014
Posted by: Daniel Barry, Centenary News