A fact is thrown around a lot which states that France has never won a war. (Or similarly that it has never won a war without help) This is demonstrably untrue, both specifically and in a general sense. How about we revisit every war France or its predecessors has won? An asterisk denotes a war France won without allies. 1066 Norman Conquest of England People tend to forget that the English monarchy and grand traditions trace back to a French duke from Normandy. 1096-99 The First Crusade A major victory, this war resulted in the setup of four French Crusader States encompassing the Holy Land. *1667-84 War of Devolution, Franco-Dutch War, and War of the Reunions Through shifting alliances (and even on their own) the French gained much land along the Rhine and in the Low Countries under Louis XIV. *1688-97 War of the League of Augsburg On top of a largely successful invasion of Ireland, France managed to annex Alsace as a result of this war. 1701-20 War of the Spanish Succession and the Quadruple Alliance These wars saw Louis XIV's grandson Philip ascend to the Spanish throne and the ambitions of Spain stifled. 1775-83 American Revolutionary War The French support for the nascent United States' effectiveness cannot be overstated. Without a distraction from the North American continent the war might have turned out differently. And, of course, without the French fleet the surrender of Cornwallis wouldn't have happened. *1792-1809 Wars of the First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Coalition
Repeatedly, France ingested land for itself and its satellites and forced all other powers in Europe (except for Britain) into alliance. 1838-39 The Pastry War After some Mexican officers supposedly looted a French pastry shop in Mexico City, the French responded in force and after three months forced Mexico to pay damages of 600,000 pesos. 1914-1918 World War I Losing more troops (and civilians) than any other nation on the Western Front, Germany was denied victory by the breaking backs of the French.
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dyer. herdsman. savior.Here we are, throwing out random satirical (or not) opinions and thoughts. Enjoy. Archives
January 2022
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