France at the end of the 20th – beginning of the 21st century.

At the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century, France underwent significant social, political, and economic changes that reflected broader global trends. ### Political Landscape 1. **Fifth Republic**: France operated under the Fifth Republic, which was established in 1958. The political system was characterized by a strong presidential authority, especially during the presidency of Jacques Chirac (1995-2007) and later Nicolas Sarkozy (2007-2012). 2. **Rise of the Extremes**: The late 20th century saw the emergence and increasing influence of far-right parties, such as the National Front (now National Rally) led by Jean-Marie Le Pen and later his daughter Marine Le Pen. Their platform focused on nationalism, anti-immigration policies, and skepticism toward the European Union. 3. **Social Movements**: France experienced various protests and strikes throughout this period, reflecting social dissatisfaction with government policy, labor issues, and economic reforms. The 1995 general strikes against social security reforms were particularly notable. ### Economic Changes 1. **European Integration**: The adoption of the euro in 2002 further integrated the French economy into the European Union. France embraced its role within the EU, which influenced its economic policies and priorities. 2. **Globalization**: The end of the 20th century saw increased globalization, impacting France’s industries, labor markets, and economic strategies. Challenges included deindustrialization in some regions and the growth of the tech sector. 3. **Unemployment and Economic Reforms**: High unemployment rates became a significant issue, prompting various government initiatives aimed at economic reform and labor market changes. Sarkozy, for instance, focused on pro-business policies and labor market flexibility. ### Social and Cultural Shifts 1. **Cultural Diversity**: France became increasingly multicultural, with significant migration from various regions, including North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Eastern Europe, shaping its social fabric and cultural landscape. 2. **Secularism and Identity**: Discussions surrounding secularism, particularly in relation to the Muslim population and the wearing of religious symbols in public spaces, became prominent. The 2004 law banning the hijab in schools raised debates about identity and integration. 3. **Youth and Education**: Education reforms and youth unemployment were critical issues. The youth culture was vibrant, with the rise of new social media and expression through art, music, and fashion, influencing global trends. ### Global Events and Challenges 1. **Terrorism**: France faced significant security challenges, especially with the rise of terrorism in the early 21st century. The 9/11 attacks in 2001 and subsequent events, including the Charlie Hebdo attack in 2015 and the Paris attacks in November 2015, profoundly impacted French society and its policies on security and immigration. 2. **Environmental Awareness**: As climate change became a worldwide concern, France took steps toward sustainability, hosting the COP21 climate summit in Paris in 2015, which resulted in the Paris Agreement. In summary, France at the turn of the 21st century was characterized by political shifts, economic challenges, cultural diversity, and significant social movements, all set against a background of global developments and emerging threats. The interplay between tradition and modernity, as well as national identity and global integration, remained central themes during this turbulent period.