Posted on 03/27/2003 6:03:39 PM PST by Pokey78
De Gaulle entered Paris on 25 August 1944, and that evening gave on of hism ost memorable (and improvised) speechs (Français / English) from the Hôtel de Ville. The next day (26 August 1944), he paraded down the Champs Elysées in triumph together with the 2nd French Armored Division of Général Leclerc to Notre Dame. This was despite sporadic snipper fire - even inside of Notre Dame during the Te Deum - and the dangers of pulling the 2nd French Armored Division away from the outskirts of a city only just liberated.
The reason was it was central to putting the stamp of the Free French on the liberation of Paris, and acclaiming de Gaulle as the leader of the Government of France. This acclaimation effectively thwarted the Communist's pretentions to power.
I don't see where it says anything about the Free French's heavy losses although I only looked at a few sites. Interestingly enough, In the two books I've mentioned, DeGaulle is mentioned in passing, in fact, in Command, he's not even in the index. That's kind of weird since he was the government in exile. I do like his airport though.
This is where I disagree (see italics below). I know the victors write the history but the bottom line is that we (US and Britain) saved their butts. If Hitler hadn't have made a stupid treaty to declare war on US after Japan had attacked the US, France would be Sprechen Ze Deutche. In fact, most of Hitler's cabinet read the agreement to only take effect AFTER the US attacked the Axis but Hitler didn't want to let the Japanese down. Who then promptly repaid him by not attacking Russia and opening a second front but continuing the war in the Pacific.
We let De Gaulle go into Paris out of scheer benevolence. But his forces suffered high losses. That our history never recorded it is of no surprise.
I don't believe it, it makes good nationalistic jingoism for the French but I doubt it's true to the extent you say it is.
I am becoming most tired so we can continue this tomorrow if you'd like.
A soldier is away, A soldier is away, May we bless his way, May we bless his way.
Is Paris Match editor Alain Genestar still talking about France, or the Democratic Underground website?
In the last French election, because of the way the French primaries work, the Presidential election was a choice between what for us would be David Duke and Bob Dole. Many French people who ordinarily wouldn't have voted for Chirac held their noses and voted for him to prevent Le Pen from winning. Chirac was perceived as being status quo, boring, uncharismatic and corrupt. Chirac won in a landslide and took the election results as a voter mandate. The current position by Chirac is completely self serving and intended to play to the electorate and ensure his reelection.
There are some very competent and experienced French engineering and construction companies and oil companies that will not even be able to compete for contracts in Iraqi reconstruction because of Chirac's failure at diplomacy. Long term construction contracts in Iraq could have provided jobs for many of France's unemployed and underemployed Muslim population. The engineering and construction jobs and the oil jobs could have helped France's economy and unemployment quite positively, but Chirac was more interested in his image in opposing anything American than in looking out for the long term French interests. Style over substance.
Tres mal, tres triest.
Nous nous rendons!
BWAAAAHHHHHHHHAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
Good-old Hurry Heinz.
Oh this is too funny... why do I think of wet noodles and girly-men when I read this translation...
"... President Bush has the feet stinky. All the Americans are large and they have a weak direction of model. The Americans like to eat "hot dogs". They are simple people which like their "MTV". They do not obtain enough sex. They find youth attractive! Imagine that! They do not drink wine with their meals. Instead of that, they prefer ketchup on their fried potatoes...."
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.