And you believe the reasons for their loss would be what?
France as did Britain and Germany lost so many men in the slaughter of the First World War, the flower of youth was mown down in one battle after another.
After the war a revulsion set in, a thought of never again.
America although only in the war for a year experienced a similar feeling, during the 1930s the American army was cut to the bone, but she had the Pacific and Atlantic to protect her.
During the 20s and 30s revelation swept through Europe, this was partly due to the slaughter, after the loss of so much life, people expected a better world instead the world went into depression, France coping with massive reconstruction was very badly hit, as her population polarised between Nationalists and Socialists and Communists, there were strikes and street battles. Government after Government fell.
The old Maximum that Generals always prepare for the last war rang true in France and to a lesser extent my own country. Remembering the slaughter especially the Battle of Verdun which was burnt into the mind of every French Officer they built the Maginot Line.
Not only did this encourage a defensive attitude but it swallowed up a lot of money that could of been used to modernise the French Military, her communications net was a shambles.
The Germans struck using tried and tested blitzkrieg methods, I will not give a blow by blow account of the movements, but it was almost textbook, good use of tacticle air support, applying overwhelming force at weak spots, breaking through and causing havoc in the rear.
The French Army were demoralised, but when led were able to defeat the Germans in local battles, a hasty counter attack by de Gaulle's hastily formed 4th Armoured Division routed a German Panzer Division.
The Germans had better tactics and were better led, they were more highly motivated since they burnt with the zeal of National Socialism.
During the occupation many collaborated but many also fought back.
Free French Forces fought along side my country in North Africa, where they fought well, French Troops also took part in DDay.
The Germans used those same tactics in Russia, it was only Russia size and strength that saved her, Britain was saved by the channel.
America is lucky she has three factors in her favour, her size, the Pacific and the Atlantic
Tony