Page 69 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - France

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Modern France
Following World War II, France fought unsuccessfully to retain
its colonial possessions. From the 1960s onward, old industries
declined while new technology grew dramatically, and France
became a world leader in aviation. Political turmoil in 1968, led
by left-wing students and trade unions, almost toppled the
government. In 1994 the Channel Tunnel opened, connecting
Britain and France. France was among the six founding nations
of the European Economic Community in 1957 and is now among
the most influential members of the European Union.
France Today
In the 21st century France faced new threats from international
terrorism, with more than a dozen attacks in Nantes, Nice,
Marseille and Paris, leading to an increase in support for the
far-right Front National. The party was, however, defeated
in the 2017 presidential elections by the centrist En Marche
party, led by Emmanuel Macron, suggesting that, at the heart Emmanuel Macron
of the country’s framework, there remain the republic’s celebrating his 2017
principles of liberté, égalité and fraternité. election victory

1954 2003 2018
French colonial The supersonic France wins
rule in Cambodia, British-French the FIFA World
Laos and Vietnam Concorde makes Cup, beating
comes to an end. its last flight. Croatia 4–2.

1957
1945 France helps found
World War II ends and the the EEC, forerunner
Fourth Republic begins. of the EU, with five
Women are given the vote. other nations.
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