Despite certain attempts at development, the Empire was mainly a period of repression. Throughout the rest of the 19th century, a system of "clans" took shape: two parties, made up of village groups, came to the fore in their political commitment. Banditry reached new heights, and the island turned inward despite the progress made in the area of transportation. Secret societies continued to display the attachment of many Corsicans to Italy, where revolution was under way. The Second Empire, which offered careers outside the island, finally enabled Corsicans to become fully integrated into French society. The 19th century was a period of demographic growth (up to 340,000 inhabitants), but without the corresponding economic development. Massive emigration began toward France and its colonies, as well as toward Latin America.
World War I was a terrible blow to the island, which was impoverished and overpopulated in comparison to its resources: 12,000 died and many emigrated. This disaster led to the first stirrings of nationalism, expressed by the review A Muvra. This current's close ties with Italian fascism discredited it. Occupied by the Italians in November 1942, Corsica chose France and, under communist leadership, liberated itself in September 1943.