Difference between revisions of "France"

Revision as of 14:19, July 18, 2007

France (Official title: French Republic/République française) is a country in Western Europe.

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 Serge Gainsbourg, Immanuel Kant, and Francois Nique LaMer. 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" due to its renown for a center of learning and philosophy.

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.

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 US for inspiration, France gave the Statue of Liberty to the US in 1886.

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

It was a founding member of the European Coal and Steel treaty which led to the EEC and EU.

In March 2003, France was one of over a hundred nations that did not participate in the alliance that liberated Iraq, with its aim of removing the Baathist regime of the dictator Saddam Hussein, though France had committed substantial forces to the First Gulf War. French forces did, however, participate in the war in Afghanistan, and suffered casualties in the fighting [1]

Gaul

Back during the time of the Roman Republic, France was a territory called Gaul, populated by Celtic tribes. Julius Caesar conquered Gaul, thanks to the lack of unity among the tribes. Gaul remained an important part of the Roman Empire for several centuries.

Frankland under Clovis

France is named after the Franks, a Saxon tribe who established Soissons, the capital. A Frank called Clovis united the Franks and established Frankland. Franks were pagans but Clovis converted to Christianity (legend has it he prayed to Christ during a difficult battle, offering to become a Christian in exchange for victory ; shortly after that, the enemy fled).

Government

France is a democratic Republic, governed by a President and Parliament. Its current President is the centre-right reformist Nickolas Sarkosy, who has promised to modernise Frances economy, regularly described as being too socialist with its reliance on government bodies and flagging industries.

See also

• French Wars