Important scientific and technological inventions. 1914 - 1918 First World War. Alsace and Lorraine revert to France. 1919 - 1939 Reconstruction. Paris attracts artists from all parts of the world.
Tension rises in Europe.
1939 - 1945 Second World War. Defeat and occupation. General de Gaulle leads the Resistance from London and Algiers. 1946 - 1957 Fourth Republic. Demographic and economic growth.