Here I go getting political again, when I said I wasn't very political, but sometimes things just make me laugh, that I can't help speak up on it.( I know Ricky, I'm going off the deep end again...LOL) Having majored in history and later getting a degree in secondary education and actually teaching high school history, as well as being employeed as a consultant for several history teaching outlets, I am quite amused with recent world developments. In particular the current American bashing of France over their stance against the U.S. in regards to possible war with Iraq.
I've heard many remarks in disdain for the French and even the following joke... An American goes up to a Frenchman in Paris and asks him " do you speak German?", to which the Frenchman replies "no". The American quickly responds with " your welcome". Point being, America is responsible for saving France from German occupation in WW1 AND WW2, in which the Frenchman would be speaking German if events were otherwise.
These unfavorable remarks and jokes are passed around by the pro-war crowd due to France's position against America in regards to Iraq. What I find interesting is the short term memory of these people or the shear ignorance of history when they make these remarks about France's " suppossed" inferiority to America and the French's past military failures in WW1 and WW2. In all fairness, anyone making these remarks, whether pro-war or anti-war are, in reality, complete morons on knowledge of history, and the reason why?...The following... without France, the United States of America would not even exist today ! France was VERY instrumental in America becoming a world leader and actually gaining their independence in nearly the first 100 years of America's existance. Let's get to the facts...
Let's start with May 2, 1776. America's year of Independence. Let's see, who's rifles, ammo, rations, and supplies were granted to the United States on this day in their war against the British? Why France of course. The American army, badly out numbered and out gunned by the British, won the war with France's military might and the help of French soldiers along with Indians, who were friendly with the French. So, let's see here, it is VERY LIKELY in my view, which is shared by a MAJORITY of historians if they were asked their HONEST opinions that without French help, America doesn't win it's war of independence and goes back to British rule. Here's my joke in regards to this " enlightenment" of the idiots I hear making anti-France jokes....A Frenchman walks up to an American in New York and asks him " do you like tea and crumpettes?" to which the American replies " No". The Frenchman then says " your welcome".
Fact 2...Feb. 6,1778...America forms a pact with the French. An " aid" pact that is. The French send their fleet and in response, the British give up Philadelphia on June 18 of the same year. Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, not New London kids thanks to the French.
Fact 3..Sept 3., 1783...U.S. signs peace treaty with British ending war. French aid " instrumental" in U.S. win. Treaty signed in Paris, where over the span of the next 200 years, America goes to discuss peace with it's enemies ( all the way up to Vietnam). This one is like, " thanks France for letting us use your gym, these are trying times, and we need a neutral place to talk".
Fact 3...1803...France sells U.S. the Louisiana territory in the Louisiana Purchase. Event doubles size of the United States, and what becomes a common theme over the late 1700s and throughout the 1800s, French cooperation with America and French generosity serve to keep resentful British where they belong instead of constantly attacking America....back in London. Although attacked in War of 1812 again by British, French help once again factors in American victory over foes.
These are just a few facts from America's early days and shows how without France, America wouldn't have been around in 1945 to rid Paris of the Germans. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying American military might and aid over the course of especially the last 100 years hasn't benefited France greatly. It has, but the thing is, this goes both ways. I hate one sided propaganda. And this is the kind of talk that once again makes foreign nations hate and despise America as being arrogant and cocky. You may say, " oh, who cares what they think?", but in today's world, the more allies you have through diplomatic means, the more young men and women in our armed services come home safely at the end of the night.
Ok, just lettin off steam there.
