Changes

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".

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.

In the 20th century, France's status as a world empire declined 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.