Why is France relevant on the world stage?

[H Roark]

I never understood why France has so much power on the world stage? I mean they are one of only 9 nations in the world that have nuclear weaponry, how is that possible! They are also one of the only 5 permanent nations that make up the UN Security Council. They also seem to be the most powerful driving force for legislation strengthening the EU. Didn't they get their ass kicked in two world wars...

[emazur]

If I recall correctly, wikipedia listed France as #5 in the world economy, and even though they got whooped in WWII they were on the winning side. And France is taking steps to become stronger and in some important ways more libertarian. Take a look at this article describing France's plan for “liberation of economic growth” which calls for steps such as drastically reducing government spending, the removal
of price controls on consumer goods, deregulation of certain industries, and school choice by the issuing of vouchers to parents.
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2008/feb2008/fran-f01.shtml
http://hnn.us/blogs/entries/59873.html
The govt. isn't backing down from that plan, despite recent protests from collectivists:
http://www.france24.com/en/20090128-french-prepare-mass-general-strike-black-thursday-sarkozy
"France's divided political left will for once be sharing a united front - socialists and communists, Trotskists and trade unions will all be marching Thursday, side by side"

[Zolah]

I never understood why France has so much power on the world stage? I mean they are one of only 9 nations in the world that have nuclear weaponry, how is that possible! They are also one of the only 5 permanent nations that make up the UN Security Council. They also seem to be the most powerful driving force for legislation strengthening the EU. Didn't they get their ass kicked in two world wars... WTF!

You should read up on France's colonial expansion in the past in Africa, Far East, etc. - they were fighting Ho Chi Minh in Viet Nam before it became fashionable..

[ladyliberty3]

Wylie's "History of Protestantism" illustrates clearly why France, ever the main stay of the Church of Rome, would be a fitting recepient of the beginnings of the judgements of God.
We all know about the French Revolution, that came out of no where in a time of peace and tranquility. France evidently has a very prominent place in the devine providence of God.
In the book "How Long, Oh Lord" on pgs. 146-148 can be seen why France has been called the "oldest daughter of the church".
A free copy of this book, "How Long, Oh Lord" can be gotten by request: Write to, Treasures of Truth PO Box 99 Eagle, Idaho 85616

[muzzled dogg]

they were fighting Ho Chi Minh in Viet Nam before it became fashionable..
lmaooo

[sailor]

Didn't they get their ass kicked in two world wars... WTF!

That would be Germany.:rolleyes:

[heavenlyboy34]

Wylie's "History of Protestantism" illustrates clearly why France, ever the main stay of the Church of Rome, would be a fitting recepient of the beginnings of the judgements of God.
We all know about the French Revolution, that came out of no where in a time of peace and tranquility. France evidently has a very prominent place in the devine providence of God.
In the book "How Long, Oh Lord" on pgs. 146-148 can be seen why France has been called the "oldest daughter of the church".
A free copy of this book, "How Long, Oh Lord" can be gotten by request: Write to, Treasures of Truth PO Box 99 Eagle, Idaho 85616

The French Revolution did NOT come "out of nowhere". I must question how you can justify writing such a thing. :confused:

[M House]

Um actually, it's pretty simple. Guess what country invented bullets?

[H Roark]

You should read up on France's colonial expansion in the past in Africa, Far East, etc. - they were fighting Ho Chi Minh in Viet Nam before it became fashionable..

I could think of greater colonial powers during the time, such as Portugal, Spain and England all of which had more holdings around the world. Also it didn't matter what Ho Chi Minh's political ideology was, they could of been Libertarians; the fact of the matter is they wanted to overthrow their masters and France wasn't about to let a colony go.


That would be Germany.:rolleyes:

France had 5,663,800 casualties during WWI only second to Russia with 6,761,000. France was also #1 in the amount of mobilized killed in action with 67% Yeah I would consider that a significant loss, but I'm sure alot of it has to do with their proximity to Germany...

[nate895]

France has a permanent seat on the security council because they were one of the five winners of WWII. France has nukes because they have good scientists and they invested in it. Those are the two reasons why they have power, and they have a central location in Europe while still not vulnerable to attack like Germany.

[ihsv]

To words: French Fries :D

[nate895]

To words: French Fries :D

Developed by Belgians.

[pinkmandy]

Well...this past week a couple million French people hit the streets to protest their govt bailing out banks...while Americans sat on their asses watching reality tv shows as our govt continued robbing us blind. Just sayin'. ;)

[coyote_sprit]

Developed by Belgians.

Blaspheme.

[nate895]

Blaspheme.

It is the truth: French fries were indeed developed by Belgians, but who is going to eat "Belgian Fries?"

[emazur]

Well...this past week a couple million French people hit the streets to protest their govt bailing out banks...while Americans sat on their asses watching reality tv shows as our govt continued robbing us blind. Just sayin'. ;)

Too bad they were a bunch of collectivists:
"France's divided political left will for once be sharing a united front - socialists and communists, Trotskists and trade unions will all be marching Thursday, side by side"
http://www.france24.com/en/20090128-french-prepare-mass-general-strike-black-thursday-sarkozy

[ihsv]

Developed by Belgians.

Fine. French toast, then.

How about "freedom toast?" :D

[nate895]

Fine. French toast, then.

How about "freedom toast?" :D

That was developed by Romans. The only thing French do is make Champagne.

[pinkmandy]

Too bad they were a bunch of collectivists:
"France's divided political left will for once be sharing a united front - socialists and communists, Trotskists and trade unions will all be marching Thursday, side by side"
http://www.france24.com/en/20090128-french-prepare-mass-general-strike-black-thursday-sarkozy


I know. They want MORE govt, lol. But at least they have beliefs and fight for them. The apathy in this country blows my mind. :eek:

[Truth Warrior]

Maybe it's in part because of that permanent seat and vote on the UN Security Council. :p The big 5 are the biggest arm's merchants of death and destruction in the whole world. :rolleyes:

[danberkeley]

Maybe it's because France is where one of the original Rothchild branches was opened. :p

[RSLudlum]

Fine. French toast, then.

How about "freedom toast?" :D

LOL...reminds me of WWII era "liberty cabbage" in lieu of sauerkraut

[Spike]

That would be Germany.:rolleyes:

Germany actually pounded France in both wars.

[Liberty Rebellion]

To words: French Fries :D

I think you meant to say "Freedom Fries" :p

[andrewh817]

Well...this past week a couple million French people hit the streets to protest their govt bailing out banks...while Americans sat on their asses watching reality tv shows as our govt continued robbing us blind. Just sayin'. ;)

My thoughts exactly, France has had a long history of political unrest and revolution.

[fatjohn]

Developed by Belgians.

Yeah that's right!!! Stupid french people. It's Belgian!!! Spread the word, after austrian economics and libertarianism, the fact that french fries are actually Belgian is the most important concept one needs to share with fellow americans.

On topic. Don't know if they have so much more power then UK (ok 19 century world empire) or Germany (ok no nukes) so i think you are just exagerating France's impact. Maybe its because Sarkozy believes he's the man, but that doesn't mean you have to believe that too.

[RickyJ]

Nuclear weapons are all over the place. 9 countries my ass.

[Xenophage]

France has a permanent seat on the security council because they were one of the five winners of WWII. France has nukes because they have good scientists and they invested in it. Those are the two reasons why they have power, and they have a central location in Europe while still not vulnerable to attack like Germany.

France didn't invent nuclear fission. The secrets of nuclear fission were agreed to be shared by all the allies.

[Xenophage]

France was a powerful empire at one point in its history, just like Britain was. Even early in the 20th century the French held a large empire around the globe.