Download or read book Agency and Archaeology of the French Maritime Empire written by Marijo Gauthier-Bérubé and published by Berghahn Books. This book was released on 2023-12-08 with total page 197 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The French maritime empire enabled the continued colonization of territories all over the world from the 17th to the 19th centuries and was built upon the backs of those in lower socioeconomic classes. These classes were heavily impacted by social, political and economic structures. Detailed archaeological case studies using an agency perspective indicate that these lower socioeconomic classes were extremely diverse and dynamic groups that constantly negotiated their identities. These stories are not about the kings, military leaders, and politicians, but rather an exploration of the perspective of those who provided the fuel, both willingly and unwillingly, for the French maritime empire.