Guys. GUYS! What about the vote? IS Daniel 2345 anti-american? So far, the cows have it!
On the France thing, both of you make good points but I sense that, like many, you are too quick to use WW2 and the subsequent events as a model for the French ability in general warfare. There is much in French history that speaks volumes about their successes at defending themselves and their ability to wage war at need. (Or, as in the case of Napoleon, a general desire to rule and or influence the world!
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Geographically, France is in one of the worst possible locations in all of Europe when it comes to defense. Their borders are encircled by countries (not like Italy, surrounded on three sides by water) and more than one of them were hostile towards the French at one point in time or another. (England, Germany, Switzerland and Italy to name a few) These are two of several strong reasons why mobile warfare hit them so hard. Cut 'em some slack!
They were kicking some Italian butt in 1940 until Paris fell. They just couldn't deal with the political repercussions of losing their capitol. (or Panzer Armees and the concept of Blitzkrieg.)
No bad there. In 1941, the Soviet Union wasn't very good at it either. It was the Union's size and location in Europe that eventually turned the tide for them. Without those, it may have turned into a nazi world.
Not that I'm defending France or anything but heh! Facts are facts.
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