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France

(Republique Francaise/Republic of France)

Capital City:

Paris

Brief National History:

Acquired many overseas territories in previous two centuries, often in direct competition with Britain. Invaded by Germany in August 1914, at the start of the First World War. Founder member of the Allied coalition which defeated Germany on 11 November 1918. Provinces of Alsace and Lorraine returned from German control. Second World War started 3 Sept 1939, but initially only a 'Phoney War' (Drole de Guerre). 10 May 1940 Germany invades France. 23 June 1940 France surrenders and puppet Vichy Government set up to administer territory not occupied by the Germans. Free French forces established in Britain. 7 November 1942 Allies invade North Africa, and following clashes with Vichy units, many defect to Allied Cause. 27 November 1942 Vichy Government disbanded and Germany & Italy occupy entire country. 6 June 1944 Allied invasion of Normandy. May 1945 end of Second World War. 1945-1954 operations to reestablish control of French Indochina fail. 1951 France joins NATO. November 1956 Suez Campaign in Egypt alongside Britain. 1 November 1954-1962 war to prevent Algerian independence eventually fails. Initiated slow decolonisation process during 1960's. Possesses nuclear weapons. Founder member of European Community. Major participant in Gulf War of 1991, and NATO Operations 'Deny Flight'/'Determined Force' over Bosnia and 'Allied Force' over Kosovo.

Further Information on France:

Yahoo France page
War, Peace & Security France Page

Military Air Arms:

Other Central Government Agencies:


Ailes Francaises Ring est propos par H.A.S : spitfire@infonie.fr.
Joindre Ailes Francaises
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First Created: 12 December 1995 - Last Revised: 12 September 1999
Copyright © 1995 John Hayles.     e-mail: john@aeroflight.co.uk