Mobilizing Nature ─ The Environmental History of War and Militarization in Modern France

Mobilizing nature traces the environmental history of war and militarization in France, from the creation of Châlons Camp in 1857 to military environmentalist policies in the twentieth century. It offers a fresh perspective on the well-known histories of the Franco-Prussian War, Western Front (1914-18), Second World War, Cold War and the anti-base campaign at Larzac, whilst uncovering the largely 'hidden' history of the numerous military bases and other installations that pepper the French countryside. Mobilizing nature argues that the history of war and militarization can only be fully understood if human and environmental histories are considered in tandem. Preparing for and conducting wars were only made possible through the active manipulation and mobilization of topographies, climatic conditions, vegetation and animals. But the military has not monopolized the mobilization of nature. Protesters against militarization have consistently drawn on images of peaceful and productive civilian environments as the preferable alternative to destructive tanks and bombs.

Written in an accessible style, Mobilizing nature will appeal to readers interested in modern France, environmental history, military geographies and histories, anti-military protests, and environmentalism.

Chris Pearson is Lecturer in Twentieth-Century History at the University of Liverpool