In World War II the chief Allied powers were Great Britain, France (except during the German occupation, 1940–44), the Soviet Union (after its entry in June 1941), the United States (after its entry on December 8, 1941), and China.

World War II the chief Allied powers were Great Britain, France (except during the German occupation, 1940–44), the Soviet Union (after its entry in June 1941), the United States (after its entry on December 8, 1941), and China.

The United States and France established diplomatic relations in 1778 following the United States’ declaration of independence from Great Britain, and France provided key assistance to the United States as an ally during its war of independence. Relations between the United States and France are active and friendly.

Western Front

Its failure was a result of a hopelessly divided French political elite, a lack of quality military leadership, rudimentary French military tactics. On the battlefield, France faced a vastly more prepared German army that utilized both more advanced weapons and sophisticated tactics.

France was not useless. It was unprepared for an attack other than through the Maginot Line from the Germans. The Germans attacked with mechanized units through a forest, over a mountain – please do not underestimate the tactical and strategical value of this move.

The short-term French reaction after 1871 was Revanchism: a sense of bitterness, hatred and demand for revenge against Germany, and demand for the return of the two lost provinces. Paintings that emphasized the humiliation of the defeat came in high demand, such as those by Alphonse de Neuville.

It mostly comes from the fact that since World War II and their defeat in Indochina a few years later, the French have been relucant to pursue military action and will only do it when absolutely necessary.

Actually,France was the powerhouse of europe until 1815 and still had a huge influence until 1871. They still lost many wars due to the odds being most of the time against them as of the balance of power in europe like germany in the 20th century.

NO, French never won a war against another major nation-state “without outside help” since 1648 (when the concept of nation states came into existence at the end of 30-year war and Peace of Westphalia). YES, French won a “war” single-handedly between 1648 and 1860, if you count Napoleon’s wins.

Lately, not so much. Edit: France has one of the best military records by country, and they have taken part in more wars than any other country in the world. Out of 168 battles fought since 387 BC, France has won 109, lost 49 and drawn 10.