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==Overview==

==Overview==

At its height, the French Empire rivaled the British Empire, with colonies in every corner of the world. It continues to be a strong presence in academia and has been the birthplace of countless renowned scholars, such as [[Voltaire]] and [[Descartes]]. It remains a powerhouse in the [[European Union]], often at odds with the [[United Kingdom]] on issues of EU policy. The capital city is Paris, often called the "City of Lights".

At its height, the French Empire rivaled the British Empire, with colonies in every corner of the world. It continues to be a strong presence in academia and has been the birthplace of countless renowned scholars, such as [[Voltaire]] and [[Descartes]]. It remains a powerhouse in the [[European Union]], often at odds with the [[United Kingdom]], and the rest of the EU (for instance, recently, French voters defeated a proposed EU Constitution after a number of other European nations had approved it) on issues of EU policy. The capital city is Paris, often called the "City of Lights".

 

In the 20th century, France's status as a world empire as did that of most other [[imperialistic | imperialism]] powers. Perhaps the "final line" was crossed when France left [[Vietnam]] in 1954.

Military aid was given to the American colonies in their attempt to gain independence. The sacrifice of her navy and commitment to the American cause became vital to the survival of the United States.

Military aid was given to the American colonies in their attempt to gain independence. The sacrifice of her navy and commitment to the American cause became vital to the survival of the United States.

Also in this time, France was a center for the enlightenment. Philosophes like Descartes, Montesquieu and others theorised many ideas that are now synonymous with Western Civilization and the Democratic system.

Also in this time, France was a center for the enlightenment. Philosophers like Descartes, Montesquieu and others theorized many ideas that are now synonymous with Western Civilization and the Democratic system.

The success of the American Revolution and the development of the above ideas inspired France to have a revolution of her own. As a thanks to the [[United States]] for inspiration, France gave the [[Statue of Liberty]] to the U.S. in 1886.

The success of the American Revolution and the development of the above ideas inspired France to have a [[French Revolution | revolution]] of her own in 1793. As a thanks to the [[United States]] for inspiration, France gave the [[Statue of Liberty]] to the U.S. in 1886.

France is also renowned for its cuisine and its wines. Good food is highly valued in France.

France is also renowned for its cuisine and its wines. Good food is highly valued in France.