Description
This scholarly work provides the first detailed analysis in English of the history of Basque nationalism in France from the Ancient Regime to the present day. The Basques are descended from of the original indigenous tribes of Europe, and their homeland was defined prior to the creation of the modern state system and its borders. This book examines the relationship between the Basques and the growing encroachment of the French state. Using interviews, personal letters, diaries, and unpublished archives, Jacob charts the evolution of Basque political resistance—localism, provincialism, clericalism, regionalism, and ethnic nationalism—and shows how the Basques have challenged the dominant ideology at each juncture of French history. In the years following World War II, this resistance gave rise to the expression of Basque nationalism and, later, terrorism.

Reviews
“James Jacob’s book, Hills of Conflict, fills an enormous void in the abundant literature of contemporary ethnic nationalist movements turned violent. For years, scholars, policy makers, and others interested in ethnic struggles in industrialized societies have been hampered by the scarcity and inaccessibility of information about one of Europe’s most significant cases: The Basques of France. No longer is this the case. Professor Jacob’s book not only meticulously records the historical development of French Basque nationalism, but places it in the context of armed struggle for ethnic goals as well.” —Robert P. Clark, Terrorism and Political Violence, Spring 1997

“Without question, Professor Jacob contributes importantly to our understanding of the French Basques.” —Patrick Ireland, Nationalism & Ethnic Politics, Winter 1995

“Hills of Conflict's depth of scholarship makes it an invaluable reference work that lays the foundation for future inquiries into an under-studied case of nationalist political mobilization.” —Susan M. DiGiacomo, Canadian Review of Studies in Nationalism, 2000

Contents
Contents
Acknowledments
Introduction
The French Revolution and the Basques of France
Clericalism, Cultural Preservation, and the Tensions of Church and State in the Pays Basque, 1870-1906
The "Red" Fish in the Baptismal Font: Clericalism and Nationalism among the Basques of France, 1920-1945
The Wind Before the Storm: Enbata and Secular Nationalism, 1960-1974
Socialism and Autonomy: EHAS Confronted by the Rise of Young Radical Abertzale, 1974-1981
Radicalization and the Rise of Basque Violence in France: Iparretarrak or "Those of the ETA of the North"
Iparretarrak, ETA, and GAL: Basque Violence and the Evolution of French-Spanish Diplomacy
The Eclipse of Violence and the Rise of Basque Moderation
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Index