A History of Modern Tunisia

This book examines the history of Tunisia from the mid-nineteenth century to the present with an emphasis on political, social, economic and cultural developments.

Kenneth Perkins (Author)

9781107654730, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 24 January 2014

330 pages, 28 b/w illus. 4 maps
22.6 x 15.2 x 2.3 cm, 0.45 kg

'This new edition of [Perkins'] history brings the story up to post-2011 revolution times and examines how Tunisia's intelligentsia and leaders have dealt with currents, frequently in the ascendant, drawing the country towards Europe and the opposing currents moving her towards the Arab world, the Middle East, and traditional (usually Islamic) values.' Kenneth W. Meyer, African Studies Quarterly

Kenneth Perkins's second edition of A History of Modern Tunisia carries the history of this country from 2004 to the present, with particular emphasis on the Tunisian revolution of 2011 - the first critical event of that year's Arab Spring and the inspiration for similar populist movements across the Arab world. After providing an overview of the country in the years preceding the inauguration of a French protectorate in 1881, the book examines the impact of colonialism on the country, with particular attention to the evolution of a nationalist movement that secured the termination of the protectorate in 1956. Its analysis of the first three decades of independence, during which the leaders of the anticolonial struggle consolidated political power, assesses the challenges that they faced and the degree of success they achieved. No other English-language study of Tunisia offers as sweeping a time frame or as comprehensive a history of this nation.

1. The march to Bardo, 1835–81
2. Whose Tunisia? 1881–1912
3. Squaring off, 1912–40
4. Redefining the relationship, 1940–56
5. The independent state sets its course, 1956–69
6. Regime entrenchment and the intensification of opposition, 1969–87
7. Innovation in the 'New Tunisia', 1987–2003
8. A revolution for dignity, freedom, and justice.

Subject Areas: Military history [HBW], 21st century history: from c 2000 - [HBLX], 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000 [HBLW], Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900 [HBLL], African history [HBJH]