- published: 18 Apr 2013
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The Belle Époque or La Belle Époque (French pronunciation: [bɛlepɔk]; French for "Beautiful Era") was a period in French history that is conventionally dated as starting in 1890 and ending when World War I began in 1914. Occurring during the era of the Third French Republic, it was a period characterized by optimism, peace at home and in Europe, new technology and scientific discoveries. The peace and prosperity in Paris allowed the arts to flourish, and many masterpieces of literature, music, theater, and visual art gained recognition. The Belle Époque was named, in retrospect, when it began to be considered a "golden age" in contrast to the horrors of World War I.
In the newly rich United States, emerging from the Panic of 1873, the comparable epoch was dubbed the Gilded Age. In the United Kingdom, the Belle Époque overlapped with the late Victorian era and the Edwardian era, and in Germany, the Belle Époque coincided with the reign of Kaiser Wilhelm II.
The French public's nostalgia for the Belle Epoque period was based largely on the peace and prosperity connected with it in retrospect. Two devastating world wars and their aftermath made the Belle Epoque appear to be a time of joie de vivre (joy of living) in contrast to 20th century hardships. In contrast to the early 20th century, the Belle Epoque was a time of relative peace and prosperity. It was also a period of stability that France enjoyed after the tumult of the early years of the French Third Republic, beginning with France's defeat in the Franco-Prussian War, the Paris Commune, and the fall of General Georges Ernest Boulanger. The defeat of Boulanger, and the celebrations tied to the 1889 World's Fair in Paris, launched an era of optimism and affluence. French imperialism was in its prime. It was a cultural center of global influence, and its educational, scientific and medical institutions were at the leading edge of Europe.
Well, I'm gonna get a job 'cause I need the bread
But somehow I know it's gonna affect my head
Wanna buy fine dresses and a fancy car
So I better go out looking for my lucky star
Money buys
Money buys
Hey, Miss Broadway, you're walking up and down
You got caught in the net by the underground
For fame and fortune you gave your body away
And you were forced into action the next day
Money buys
Money buys
If we're all in together won't you realize
If we want to break down we'd better compromize
Don't let days of small kind get loose
By makin' him the offer he can't refuse
Hey, Miss Broadway
Hey, Miss Broadway
Hey, Miss Broadway
Hey, Miss Broadway
Money buys
Money buys
Buy your ticket for a square yard in the sun
Buy your right of living far from a gun
Watch out 'cause if you make a wrong deal you'll see how it feels
You may miss out on your next meal
Money buys
Money buys
Aha, I like it, aha, I like it
Aha, I like it, aha, I like it
Aha, I like it, aha, I like it
Aha, I like it, aha, I like it
Aha, I like it, aha, I like it
The gambler won't get out before he's lost it all
The junkie always knows where to call
Hey, Miss Broadway, is your lover's money clean
You know what I mean?
Where is his connection with the underground scene?
So, so, so, money buys