FROM A PRESTIGE FLEET TO THE JEUNE ÉCOLE: French Naval Policy and Strategy under the Second Empire and the Early Third Republic (1852-1914).

The article focuses on the naval experience of France during the Second Empire and the Early Third Republic. Topics covered include characteristics of the naval policy pursued under the Second Empire, failure of the strategy formulated by the proponents of the Jeune École, impact on the ability of France to leverage sea power to mitigate its position on the eve of the First World War.