Full Description
This book presents France's economic and monetary history from the ruins of 1945 to its prospects in the 22nd century. It focuses on the pivotal moments that transformed France into a global economic leader, overcoming monumental challenges such as elevated inflation, crippling public debt, and the loss of its colonial empire.
The book examines topics such as the Marshall Plan's role in reconstruction, the impact of European and American influences, and the unique policies that shaped modern France. As France faces new challenges like the Yellow Vests movement, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the energy crisis, this book discusses whether these trials will see France falter or rise stronger than ever.
The book finally compares past forecasts and present realities, offering a glimpse into a potential future. It will appeal to economic historians and economists, policy-makers, and a broader audience interested in a better understanding of recent French economic history and lessons from the past for the future.
Contents
Chapter 1. Introduction.- Part I: Inflationary Dirigisme from 1945 to 1973.- Chapter 2. Post-War Reconstruction and Marshall Plan.- Chapter 3. European Construction.- Chapter 4. The Missed Rendezvous of 1958.- Chapter 5. Oil Shock, European Monetary System and Creative Destruction.- Part II: Maastricht or No Maastricht?.- Chapter 6. The 1981 Election of François Mitterrand and the Radical Reversal of Economic Policy.- Chapter 7. Rigor, the New Paradigm.- Chapter 8. Towards Maastricht?.- Chapter 9. Towards the Euro.- Chapter 10. The Euro Settles In, France's Economy Undergoes a Modernization.- Chapter 11. 2008 Financial Crisis and 2010 Sovereign Debt Crisis.- Chapter 12. Tax Bludgeoning and Reduction in Structural Deficit.- Part III: Resurrection of Inflationary Dirigisme.- Chapter 13. From Brexit to the Yellow Vests Movement in France.- Chapter 14. COVID-19 Pandemic.- Chapter 15. War in Ukraine.- Chapter 16. Ecological Crisis and Energy Transition: "Europe Is the Fastest-Warming Continent in the World".- Chapter 17. Conclusion.
