The French Foreign Legion and its Colonial Legacy

Resource person: Audra Bullard - office@clehighlands.com

Description:

Most Americans know about the French Foreign Legion through films like Beau Geste, or the antics of Abbott and Costello in the Foreign Legion. This famed fighting organization, however, has a grittier and less romantic history tied to France’s brutal colonial conquests in Africa, Asia, and elsewhere. This presentation will review the history of the FFL from its origins as a dumping ground for foreign “undesirables,” to its continued role today as an element of France’s influence throughout the world. Participants will learn about some of its noted engagements and its complicity in some of the ugliest episodes of France’s imperial history.

Presenter: Max Owre is the Executive Director of Carolina Public Humanities. A graduate of the University of Vermont, he obtained his PhD in modern European history from UNCCH in 2008. Max is a lecturer in the History Department, teaching courses in European, world and colonial history since 2007. Max is a principal organizer, and frequent host and moderator of CPH Events. He also lectures frequently for CPH on various topics in French and European history.

Notes: Cancellation Policy Please let us know immediately if you are unable to attend a class. There is no refund for cancellations within two (2) weeks prior to a scheduled class. Programs that include food, beverage or art materials must be canceled within three (3) weeks prior to receive a refund. CLE reserves the right to cancel a program if the minimum enrollment has not been met or for circumstances beyond our control, and participants will be notified, a complete refund will be issued. All classes are held in the CLE Lecture Hall at the Peggy Crosby Center unless otherwise noted. In the event information has changed from the published brochure, it will be posted on our website and in our e-blasts. Addresses for “private home” venues will be provided to registrants within 2 days of the program date.

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