Student movement adopts radical slogan

Among the slogans of the student movement in France, some call for the end of "the contemporary era," a phrase that has gained attention in recent weeks. This slogan reflects a desire for significant societal change and challenges traditional ways of teaching history in French schools.

France's historical periods defined

In France, history is traditionally divided into four periods: Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the modern era, and the contemporary era, which began in 1789 with the French Revolution. This event is seen as marking the formation of the modern French nation, according to Lucie Gomes, a professor of history didactics.

Debates over the era's start

The beginning of the contemporary era is not universally agreed upon. Some historians suggest alternative dates, such as 1889, 1914, or 1945, each reflecting different historical milestones and shifts in society.

Slogan challenges historical narratives

The student movement, which focuses on issues related to education, has embraced the slogan "We end the contemporary era" as a symbol of their desire for radical transformation. This raises the question of whether an era can be declared over by individuals or groups, rather than being recognized later by historical consensus.

Historical context of ending eras

Historians note that changes in historical eras are usually acknowledged after the fact, often through collective memory. For instance, during the Renaissance, people began referring to the period before as the Middle Ages to distinguish it from their own time.

Generational concerns and historical parallels

Quentin Deluermoz, a historian, argues that the call to end the contemporary era reflects a generational feeling of being stuck in time, with no clear path forward. He cites issues like government budget decisions and the climate crisis as examples of challenges without satisfactory solutions, echoing similar sentiments from past movements like May 1968.

Future of the contemporary era

Lucie Gomes suggests that while the contemporary era may not be ending entirely, it might be undergoing a significant shift, especially with ongoing climate change and increasing global conflicts. The future definition of this era, she notes, may be shaped by the history textbooks written in 2126.