Join Viking Resident Historian Paul Dawson as he charts the developments of France’s “Age of Napoleon” and considers the country’s more recent role as a founding member of the European Union. As the 19th century began, France would come to dominate the Continent through the ambitions of Napoleon, but after his final defeat at Waterloo, political instability, and France’s further defeat later in the century at the hands of the Prussians, France entered the 20th century on less secure footing. Following the turmoil of both World Wars, France experienced an economic turnaround and continues to thrive as a center of culture and European leadership to the present day. After the presentation, Paul will answer viewers’ questions as he looks deeper into French life, history and culture.