Its a bit funny how people make fun of the French military

Riley Owain · February 2nd, 2017, 06:29 AM

I mean considering that they have the best military record of any European country. In 800 years France has won 132 wars, lost 43 and drawn 10, making them the most successful nation in the history of Europe military wise.

It seems to me that some people base all of French military history on World War II.

Look it up. Its true

**bloke57** · February 2nd, 2017, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riley Owain

I mean considering that they have the best military record of any European country. In 800 years France has won 132 wars, lost 43 and drawn 10, making them the most successful nation in the history of Europe military wise.

It seems to me that some people base all of French military history on World War II.

Look it up. Its true

You are quite correct. It's just that they had a bad run at the end of their career - so that's what they are remembered for.

**tygrkhat40** · February 2nd, 2017, 03:18 PM

Prior to WWII, the French Army was considered the best in the world. But their performance during the 20th Century; a Pyrrhic victory in WWI, a quick knockout in WWII and losing colonial wars in Vietnam and Algeria have colored everyone's attitude of French military might.

garthok newo · February 2nd, 2017, 03:46 PM

considering how the German Army is held in such high regard even if they haven't won a war ( I believe) since 1870.

**haroldeye** · February 2nd, 2017, 04:36 PM

What's the source for your figures Riley?

**gordian_knot** · February 2nd, 2017, 04:44 PM

Who makes fun of them? The've always had a martial reputation as far as I can see. Yes they folded in WWII where thay had outmoded weapons and tactics and dreadful generals, but so did we and the rest of Europe.

In the 20th century they were always hamstrung with poor leadership but as far as the soldiers are concerned they have to be held in high regard.

Germany's record is a bit misleading. They only became a unified state in 1871 and lost the ability to wage war in 1945. Their reputation for martial prowess was well-deserved during that short period.

**haroldeye** · February 2nd, 2017, 05:55 PM

Many of the German states had a very good reputation for martial prowess, Prussia and Hannover especially. The King's German Legion (Hannoverian subjects of King George) were an important part of Wellington's Peninsular Army.

I still wonder at Riley's figures though.

**gordian_knot** · February 2nd, 2017, 06:32 PM

I agree. What constitutes a war, and what a victory?. Napoleon won many campaigns, but you could argue that they were all part of one drawn-out war, which he eventually lost. Germany lost WWII, but had successful campaigns in which she annihilated the armies of a number of countries.

Without seeing how the figures break down we can't really comment. 185 real wars, even in 800 years, seems rather a lot.

**rotobott** · February 2nd, 2017, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haroldeye

Many of the German states had a very good reputation for martial prowess, Prussia and Hannover especially. The King's German Legion (Hannoverian subjects of King George) were an important part of Wellington's Peninsular Army.

I still wonder at Riley's figures though.

According to Wiki it was historian Niall Ferguson

Quote:

History
Main articles: Military history of France and List of French Paratrooper Units

The military history of France encompasses an immense panorama of conflicts and struggles extending for more than 2,000 years across areas including modern France, greater Europe, and French territorial possessions overseas. According to the British historian Niall Ferguson, France has participated in 50 of the 125 major European wars fought since 1495, and in 168 battles fought since 387 BC, they have won 109, drawn 10 and lost 49: this makes France the most successful military power in European history - in terms of number of fought and won

**ConstantOgler** · February 3rd, 2017, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gordian_knot

Who makes fun of them?

A: Americans. Or maybe should say the under-educated anywhere. Once a joke or meme popular with masses takes root, thrives like fungus.
Maybe not always 100% disdain or contempt. ("Lovers not fighters". IOW, = Italians. But we can't admire that!

)

BTW, what did 'Allo 'Allo have to say?

February 2nd, 2017, 06:29 AM	#1
Riley Owain Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 131 Thanks: 0 Thanked 948 Times in 112 Posts	Its a bit funny how people make fun of the French military I mean considering that they have the best military record of any European country. In 800 years France has won 132 wars, lost 43 and drawn 10, making them the most successful nation in the history of Europe military wise. It seems to me that some people base all of French military history on World War II. Look it up. Its true

February 2nd, 2017, 03:18 PM	#3
tygrkhat40 Long Suffering Bills Fan Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: The City of Good Neighbors Posts: 9,669 Thanks: 304,243 Thanked 152,323 Times in 9,629 Posts	Prior to WWII, the French Army was considered the best in the world. But their performance during the 20th Century; a Pyrrhic victory in WWI, a quick knockout in WWII and losing colonial wars in Vietnam and Algeria have colored everyone's attitude of French military might. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

February 2nd, 2017, 03:46 PM	#4
garthok newo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 297 Thanks: 92,470 Thanked 3,812 Times in 276 Posts	a contrast considering how the German Army is held in such high regard even if they haven't won a war ( I believe) since 1870.

February 2nd, 2017, 04:44 PM	#6
gordian_knot Vintage Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Gordium Posts: 1,225 Thanks: 6,524 Thanked 13,823 Times in 1,209 Posts	Who makes fun of them? The've always had a martial reputation as far as I can see. Yes they folded in WWII where thay had outmoded weapons and tactics and dreadful generals, but so did we and the rest of Europe. In the 20th century they were always hamstrung with poor leadership but as far as the soldiers are concerned they have to be held in high regard. Germany's record is a bit misleading. They only became a unified state in 1871 and lost the ability to wage war in 1945. Their reputation for martial prowess was well-deserved during that short period. __________________ - "The whole of anything is never told." - Henry James "Political language... is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable." - George Orwell

February 2nd, 2017, 06:32 PM	#8
gordian_knot Vintage Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Gordium Posts: 1,225 Thanks: 6,524 Thanked 13,823 Times in 1,209 Posts	I agree. What constitutes a war, and what a victory?. Napoleon won many campaigns, but you could argue that they were all part of one drawn-out war, which he eventually lost. Germany lost WWII, but had successful campaigns in which she annihilated the armies of a number of countries. Without seeing how the figures break down we can't really comment. 185 real wars, even in 800 years, seems rather a lot. __________________ - "The whole of anything is never told." - Henry James "Political language... is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable." - George Orwell

February 2nd, 2017, 04:36 PM	#5
haroldeye Moderator Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Halfwitistan Posts: 5,715 Thanks: 113,479 Thanked 59,962 Times in 5,707 Posts	What's the source for your figures Riley?

February 2nd, 2017, 05:55 PM	#7
haroldeye Moderator Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Halfwitistan Posts: 5,715 Thanks: 113,479 Thanked 59,962 Times in 5,707 Posts	Many of the German states had a very good reputation for martial prowess, Prussia and Hannover especially. The King's German Legion (Hannoverian subjects of King George) were an important part of Wellington's Peninsular Army. I still wonder at Riley's figures though.

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