History Extra podcast The Belle Époque: everything you wanted to know
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Mar 30, 2025 Dr. Mike Rapport, a Reader in modern European history at the University of Glasgow and author of *City of Light, City of Shadows*, unravels the complexities of Paris's Belle Époque. He discusses the era's glamorous façade with vibrant cafes and can-can dancers, contrasted against the realities of poverty and inequality. The conversation dives into the Dreyfus Affair, revealing deep societal divisions and the rise of radical politics amidst a backdrop of cultural richness and urban transformation.
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Defining the Belle Époque
- The Belle Époque, meaning "Beautiful Era," refers to the period just before WWI, roughly 1871-1914.
- It's characterized by glamour, culture, and technological advancements, similar to America's Gilded Age.
Stability of the Third Republic
- France achieved stability during the Belle Époque due to the Third Republic, established in 1871.
- Unlike previous republics born from revolutions, the Third Republic arose through elections, fostering greater longevity.
Parisian Landscape
- Paris during the Belle Époque was largely recognizable thanks to renovations by Haussmann under Napoleon III.
- These included boulevards, markets, sewers, and parks, shaping the modern city.
