Why Corsica is Not French, Despite Belonging to France

Corsica, an island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a unique entity within the French Republic. Despite being part of France, it has a distinct history, culture, and language that set it apart. This article delves into the reasons behind why Corsica is neither wholly French nor entirely an Italian-speaking state.

Historical Context and Language

Corse is the original name of the island, derived from Latin. It was widely used in official Italian documents before 1859, and it remains the name used by Corsicans and in the local language. In fact, the primary language spoken on the island is Calabresu, which is closely related to Italian.

Although Corsica is now part of France, it retains a strong cultural and linguistic connection to Italy. The Italian influence is profound, and it's often described as not being French in the same sense as other French regions. For instance, in 1980s, Corsica was only one department, but it was divided into two, a move that some argue simplified its governance but also stripped it of its unified identity.

Cultural and Linguistic Distinctiveness

Nevertheless, Corsica's cultural identity makes it distinctly different. The majority of Corsicans—around 50%—have some knowledge of the Corsican language, which is much closer to Italian than to standard French. This linguistic similarity is not coincidental; the island has a history of being invaded and occupied by various powers throughout history, including the Etruscans, Greeks, Romans, and Genoese.

Political and Legal Status

The political status of Corsica further adds to its unique standing. Since 2018, it has held the status of a "collectivitagrave; territoriale unique", with its own Assembly and President. This autonomous status makes it a distinct region within France, reflective of its historical and cultural autonomy.

Historical Granting of Corsica to France

Corsica's path to becoming part of France is a complex one entangled with debt and strategic interests. In the 18th century, Genoa had a debt to France of about 30 million pounds. To repay this debt, Genoa decided to exchange its sovereignty over Corsica. At the time, Great Britain was also interested. A temporary King of Corsica, supported by the UK and the Netherlands, was put in place, only for France to eventually accept the republic's surrender and claim the island.

The 1768 Treaty of Versailles granted France administrative rights over Corsica, with Genoa retaining its sovereign rights if it could repay the debt. However, this plan failed, and France launched a military conquest of Corsica. By 1769, France had successfully secured the island.

Current Geopolitical Context and Relations

Italy, as we know it today, did not exist in 1768 when Corsica was transferred to France. This historical context is crucial to understanding why Corsica's relationship with France is unique. It showcases a blend of historical, economic, and political motivations rather than a straightforward cultural or linguistic connection.

Corsicans often feel a sense of cultural kinship with Italy, celebrated in their language, music, and traditions. Despite being part of France, they maintain a distinct identity that sets them apart from the rest of France.

In conclusion, Corsica is not French in the same way as other regions of France. Its history, language, and unique political status make it a fascinating example of a region with deep ties to multiple cultural and linguistic traditions.