Description
Book SynopsisExamines momentous changes in notions of citizenship, sovereignty, nation, state, and empire in a time of acute uncertainty about the future of a world that had earlier been divided into colonial empires. This book shows how both France and its former colonies backed into more "national" conceptions of the state than either had sought.
Trade ReviewWinner of the Martin A. Klein Prize 2015, American Historical Association Winner of the George Louis Beer Prize 2015, American Historical Association "The question posed by Frederick Cooper is one that philosophers would relish; so also political scientists and indeed social theorists. It fits excellently into a discourse, mostly at an abstract level, beloved by these scholars."--Olajide Oloyede, African Sociological Review "In these ever troubled times this is a work that should be read by all those contemplating or demanding independence, from the UK to eastern Europe and beyond."--Don Vincent, Open History "It is nothing short of a masterpiece."--Samuel Moyn, Dissent "It offers an excellent discussion about France's policy regarding citizenship as it was defined in Paris and Dakar and convincing evidence that challenges the apparent dichotomy between empire and nation-state... Cooper sets a standard that is likely to last for a long time."--Alexander Keese, Journal of Interdisciplinary History "This book is a masterly work of close archival investigation and analysis. It will be a new reference point for discussions of decolonization in French Africa."--Tony Chafer, French History
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations vii Preface ix Notes on Language and Abbreviations xv Introduction 1 Chapter 1 From French Empire to French Union 26 Chapter 2 A Constitution for an Empire of Citizens 67 Chapter 3 Defining Citizenship, 1946-1956 124 Chapter 4 Claiming Citizenship: French West Africa, 1946-1956 165 Chapter 5 Reframing France: The Loi-Cadre and African Federalism, 1956-1957 214 Chapter 6 From Overseas Territory to Member State: Constitution and Conflict, 1958 279 Chapter 7 Unity and Division in Africa and France, 1958-1959 326 Chapter 8 Becoming National 372 Conclusion 431 Bibliography 449 Index 467
