Americanization of France

This engaging knowledgeable book traces the American path France has followed since resolving its searing Algerian conflict in 1962. Barnett Singer convincingly demolishes two pervasive clichés about modern France: first that the country has never been fit to fight wars including wars on terror; and second that the French have always been and remain overwhelmingly anti-American. The end of the war led to an important sea change clearing the way for France to embrace American culture especially rock 'n' roll and more generally an American-style emphasis on personal happiness. The author argues that today’s France wounded by the loss of traditions and stability is increasingly pro-American clinging to trends from across the Atlantic as to a lifeline.<br><br>