In the Marne’s Shadow: Everyday Life in Paris on the Brink of the Great War in the Light of Popular Parisian Press

Abstract

Along with the approaching war, the organization and character of the Parisian daily life changed at the turn of July and August 1914. The mobility of people, principles and opening hours of shops, and public transport came under new regulations, together with the function of public institutions, entertainment venues, and cafes. Additionally, problems closely related to war appeared, which left their mark on the city’s life, i.e.: taking care of the wounded, problem of refugees and of living conditions of families of the enlisted soldiers, and those related to preparations for the city’s defense in the face of the defeat at the border. Over the course of a few weeks, Paris undergoes a change from „la ville de lumière” to „la ville de guerre”, while the daily press records the aforementioned changes on the ongoing basis, at the same time reporting on the public mood and drawing attention to problems that were the most crucial from the Parisians’ point of view. The press also becomes one of the instruments for boosting people’s morale by the articles’ overtones and topics.