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I don't see how French history is relevant anymore anyway. We are not talking about the bloody campaigns that they've committed themselves to in history (God knows Napoleon's march thru Russia was bloody). But as of right now, they do not have the willingness to fight a war and take heavy casualties. None of the Europeans have that kinda willingness and public support.
You could argue that the United States doesn't have the political will to do so either. Its true in most of the developed world nowadays. The public does not tolerate casualties like they used to. Look at Vietnam, and how long it took for those big demonstrations to get going, and GIs were dying by the hundereds daily. Just like in France's case, bloody history of imperialism/colonialism/military action or whatever else, is becoming less relevant. The public is not willing to take casualties like they used to.
Perhaps the French could be fierce warriors if their government and public were willing to fight, but the only thing they'll really fight for is when people threaten the French homeland directly. Even then, its kinda questionable.
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