Empire's Children

This insightful work delves into the intersections of race, law, and colonialism, highlighting the complexities of identity in Empire's Children.

In Empire's Children, Emmanuelle Saada explores the complex interplay between race, law, and colonialism in French history. Through meticulous research, she uncovers how Europe's imperial ambitions were often built on legal and scientific distinctions that were frequently at odds with the lived experiences of those involved. The social and sexual interactions between colonizers and the colonized reveal a more nuanced reality than the rigid classifications imposed by colonial authorities. This book sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of race and identity within the framework of French nationality.

One of the pivotal moments in Empire's Children occurs when Saada discovers a 1928 decree that defines the status of mixed-race individuals born in French Indochina, known as the metis. This legal document not only serves as a historical artifact but also as a transformative piece of legislation that introduced race into French law for the first time. The decree highlights the ongoing struggle to address the complexities surrounding the mixed population and the societal implications of their existence within a colonial framework.

By examining extensive archival materials from both France and Vietnam, as well as drawing on primary and secondary sources from various regions, Saada presents a compelling narrative that challenges traditional views of colonialism. Empire's Children ultimately offers readers a fresh perspective on the intersections of history, anthropology, law, and culture, revealing the deep-rooted connections between race and national identity in the context of French colonialism from the late nineteenth century to the era of decolonization.