Paris and the Belle Époque - Rebuilding and Class Division in Modern Paris

Explore the transformation of Paris during the Belle Époque in this 51-minute lecture from Yale University's "France Since 1871" course. Discover how Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann's massive rebuilding project in the 1850s and '60s reshaped the city's layout and social dynamics. Examine the contrast between the poverty-stricken old Paris and the emergence of modern boulevards, new commercial practices, and distinct neighborhood characteristics. Analyze the lasting impact of this urban renovation on class divisions between the city center and periphery, creating a unique spatial arrangement compared to many American cities. Delve into the development of working-class suburbs and the enduring east-west dichotomy that continues to influence Paris's social landscape into the 21st century.

Syllabus

- Chapter 1. The Old Paris: A Portrait of Urban Poverty
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- Chapter 2. Napoleon III and Haussmann: Building the Boulevards of Modern Paris
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- Chapter 3. New Modes of Commerce in Belle Époque Paris
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- Chapter 4. The East-West Dichotomy: Mapping the Character of the New Neighborhoods
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- Chapter 5. Exile from the Center: The Development of Working Class Suburbia
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