Lecture on the French Empire and Colonialism

Introduction

• France has a rich history with various territories and empires.
• Definitions of the French Empire vary from 15 years to 400 years.
• At its peak, it covered 2-10% of the world’s land area.

Early Colonization Efforts

• Colonialism vs Imperialism: Terms used interchangeably.
• Began in the 1500s with European powers trying to emulate Spain.
• 1608: France settled Quebec, leading to the formation of New France.
• New France expanded to the Great Lakes and down the Mississippi River.
• Established a major port in New Orleans.
• Caribbean expansion included Saint-Domingue (modern Haiti).

The Rules and Impacts of Colonialism

• Harsh imperial rules with significant exploitation.
• Early involvement in the African coast for the Triangle Trade.

French Empire’s Expansion and Conflicts

• Reached its first peak in the 1700s.
• Expanded east, establishing outposts in Africa, India.
• The conflicts, notably with England, known as "The Long Eighteenth Century" or "The Second Hundred Years War."
• Seven Years War resulted in significant losses for France.

Decline and Revolutionary Changes

• Late 1700s: French Revolution due to state bankruptcy and social discontent.
• Napoleon Bonaparte seizes power in 1799, expands across Europe.
• Series of coalitions tried to oppose Napoleon.
• Defeat in Russia marked the beginning of Napoleon’s downfall.

Second Wave of Colonization

• Post-Napoleon, France starts new colonization in Africa and Asia.
• 1830: Invasion of Algeria.
• Expansion into Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia by the late 1800s.
• Industrial era motivations: resource extraction versus settlement.

Decline of the French Empire

• WWII: France loses control over some territories.
• Post-war attempts to maintain empire fail.
• Vietnam War leads to French defeat at Dien Bien Phu.
• French Empire collapses after losing Algeria in 1962.

Conclusion

• The French Empire rose and fell multiple times.
• Core mindset of imperialism persisted through various methods and motives.
• Moral: Avoiding colonialism is beneficial as it often leads to detrimental outcomes.

Additional Notes

• Video collaboration with Griffin from "The Armchair Historian" about the Vietnamese war.
• The struggle with understanding and respecting historical figures like Napoleon.

These notes provide a comprehensive summary of the varied history and impacts of the French Empire, colonial efforts, and the subsequent decline. Focus is placed on key historical events, shifts in imperial strategy, and the ultimately self-destructive nature of colonial pursuits.