From Subject to Citizen

The Second Empire (1852-1870) is examined as a pivotal moment in the evolution of modern French political culture, highlighting the collaboration among diverse political thinkers to foster participatory democracy. Sudhir Hazareesingh delves into the era's political, social, and cultural advancements, particularly in the intellectually vibrant 1860s. He illustrates how various ideologies addressed decentralization, leading to a deeper understanding of communal freedom and civic cohesion, shaping the national identity as France embraced nationalism.