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Distributed for University of Wales Press

Brittany, 1750-1950

The Invisible Nation

Incorporated into France nearly five hundred years ago, Brittany has never experienced a strong nationalist movement. However, somewhat paradoxically, in recent years signs of a sense of cultural separation from France have grown more evident, raising fundamental questions about the processes of nation formation. By covering two centuries of Breton history, Sharif Gemie provides a thorough grounding in the complex politics of identity in Brittany. Brittany’s conflicted status is elucidated through a discussion of how these notions of identity are represented in a variety of forms such as literature, political debates, festivals, and popular protest.

224 pages | 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 | © 2007

History: European History


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Table of Contents

Preface
 
Acknowledgements
 
Terms, Abbreviations and Dates
 
Introduction: The Rocks of Brittany
 
Part I: Making Brittany
 
1. The Questions of French Nationhood: Celts, Romans and Bretons
 
2. Brittany and the French Revolution
 
3. Oriental Brittany
 
Part II: Ruling Brittany
 
4. The Politics of Faith: Chouannerie, Religion and the Making of a White Landscape
 
5. The Politics of the State (1): People and Protests, 1830-52
 
6. The Politics of the State (2): The Management of Democracy, 1850-1940
 
7. The Politics of Brittany: Regionalism and Nationalism
 
8. The End of the Road? Breton Nationalism and Vichy France, 1940-5
 
Conclusion: Mordrel’s Children
 
Notes
 
Bibliography

Index

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