this post was submitted on 28 May 2025
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The Francs were named after the throwing axe they used in battle, Charlemagne ruled half of Europe after Rome fell apart, William the Conqueror changed the English language, the Normans were such renowned warriors that they served as mercenaries in Constantinople, France won the 100 years war, France came out ahead after the 30 years war, Vauban was the greatest siege engineer of all time whose tactics were used for centuries, the French won the American Revolution, Napoleon conquered everything, French tanks and tactics were key in breaking the stalemate on the Western Front during WWI, and I'm sure I'm missing a bunch.
But they were occupied by Nazi Germany so they're forever cowards
A lot of this depends on perspective. Norman knights existed because France surrendered the territory to the Vikings, claiming them as a French success is a bit of a stretch. The effects on the English from William the conqueror, would be as much or more a viking win than a French one.
France winning the 100 years war just means after 100 years they finally repelled an English invasion. Napoleon's empire was destroyed before his own death. WWI featured several massive failures of the French military that extended the war.
The normans were quite french by the time of William, so its a short term loss for a long term win.