The Memory of Resistance: French Opposition to the Algerian War

Description

What makes people act against their own national identity? How real are the concepts of nationalism and patriotism? In what ways does the media control our perception of history in the making? This ground-breaking work addresses these important questions through an examination of the Algerian war of 1954-62 and the significant French resistance to their own leaders during the bitter conflict. Through the use of extensive interviews, it provides powerful insights into the clash of values that accompanied the war. In exploring the events and experiences that led a small minority of French people to reject colonialism in the wake of the Algerian conflict, Memories of Resistance focuses on the importance of political allegiances and ideologies, and the motivations for resisting them. The complex issues of identity and shared memory are examined to provide an indispensable analysis of loyalty and self-identity in the wider political context of the world. The book also debates the changing ways in which the media influences perceptions of, and attitudes towards, world events. Third World liberation ideas, personal experiences of French colonialism, memory and the significance of anti-Nazi resistance and political allegiances are all discussed in this wide-ranging and illuminating study. Memories of Resistance represents a major contribution to the theory and practice of oral history, which is fast becoming one of the most popular and dynamic areas of historical research and will be essential reading for anyone studying French colonial history.

Martin Evans University of Portsmouth

'An inspiring but sad book.' Socialist Review 'Evans's first-hand interviews with French 'resisters' and even with some FLN members, and his thorough secondary research, make his study a valuable starting-point for unpacking the complicated strands of this historical moment' Continuity and Change "Evans's book makes a substantial and original contribution to the growing literature on resistance and memory in twentieth-century France." European History Quarterly "It brings to life an episode which has never been officially acknowledged, nor - or rarely - properly accounted for in France over the past forty years." "... the study provides a vivid portrait, and an understanding 'from the inside' of a specific constituency at a very specific time." Mediterranean Politics "For historians of contemporary France the interest of Evan's study is obvious - it casts new light on the bitter and divisive 'War Without a Name', which has resulted in the still unhealed 'Algerian Syndrome'. Americans of the Vietnam generation, such as the above-mentioned Draft Counselor (this writer) will find 'The Memory of Resistance' haunting and evocative. It will leave them with a powerful sense of dj vu." David L. Schalk, Vassar College 'The Memory of Resistance will be of undoubted interest both to those specialising in the Algerian war and to all those with an interest in oral history.' The Journal of Area Studies '[A] fascinating work of oral history.' National Identities ' ... he [Evans] makes an important and original contribution to our understanding of antiwar activism in the modern period.' The Journal of Modern History 'I found Evans's use of oral history methodologically rigorous, his interpretations of memory thoughtful and insightful.' Reviewed by Sean Field in the Journal of African History