Paris at War

Paris at the turn of the 20th century blazed with light and romance, art and optimism, science and culture; it was the pinnacle of French imperialism and influence.

Step into La Belle Époque (“The Beautiful Era”) on the eve of war, when Parisians threw patriotic celebrations and cheered on their soldiers departing for the front lines – when war was still a distant thing.

Explore the moments when German shells brought an abrupt end to the city's romantic era, beginning a struggle for survival. Aerial raids necessitated blackout regulations, snuffing out the city’s famed lights. The people endured food and fuel shortages that led to rationing and hardship – and uprisings. 

As soldiers from French-colonized countries and other Allied troops converged from all over the world, Paris itself became a crossroads of cultures. At the same time, Parisian communities of different classes, races, genders, and religions faced shifting moments of unity and division under wartime pressures.

American troops arrived in 1917, bringing new hope – and faces – to a war-weary city. What did the doughboys and Parisians make of each other? How did vibrant jazz music come to echo through nightclubs of a city under siege?

Follow along with the Americans in Paris, many of whom were experiencing “gay Paree” for the first time.

Step into the streets of Paris. Connect with the lives of those who called it home and those who passed through on their way to battle. And reflect on the hopes and the enduring spirit of Paris at War.