It’s complicated…. Prepared to write….. A lot.

58-51 B.C.◦ Roman emperor Julius Caesar conquered Gaul,

present day France.

400- late 900’s A.D.◦ After the collapse of the Romans a tribe called the

Franks ruled the region. (German in origin)◦ Two dynasties dominated the Franks…

Merovingian's & Carolingians

Merovingian King Clovis I

800 A.D ◦ King Charlemagne was

crowned “Holy Roman Emperor”

Reorganized currency Created monasteries Lower case alphabet Consolidated Europe

?

The Normans ◦ Viking Pirates who settled in Northern France in

an area called Normandy.

King William I invaded England in 1066 claiming that the throne was his.

The Normans won and William I became King of England. ◦ (Random Fact: The current Queen of England can

trace her heritage to William I.)

The war was actually several smaller battles fought in succession.

The English felt that they were the rightful heirs to the French throne under King Edward III.

Also, the English wanted to maintain its trade with coastal cities… by force if necessary.

1415◦ Battle of Agincourt ends in a huge victory over the

French… killing much of the French nobility.

At its height, the English controlled most of France, including Paris.

Henry VI was the only king ever to be crowned King of England in France – at the age of ten.

1429◦ Joan of Arc leads French troops against the

English at Orléans, ending a siege by the British.

France had a rigid class system with no room to climb the social ladder.

American Revolution spread freedom fire! There was a rising debt that could not be

paid so the king raised taxes. (Some because of France’s help with our revolution.)

Louis XVI Marie-Antoinette

1789◦ On July 14, citizens stormed the Bastille, a Paris

prison (and symbol of oppression). The French Revolution begins, eventually leading to end of the royal family's rule.

◦ Each year, France celebrates Bastille Day.

Some feared people would rise up to stop the revolution.

Lead by Robespierre any people who seemed a threat were killed by the guillotine.

Even Robespierre was beheaded with it!!!!

1804◦ Military hero Napoleon

Bonaparte crowns himself emperor after leading France to victory over Europe's strongest nations.

1815◦ Napoleon is finally defeated

at Waterloo in Belgium.

Some kings A second republic Another emperor War with Russia lead to another Republic WWII lead to a divided nation (half Vichy/half

De Gaulle) 4th Republic established The French Union was established but wars

against communism forced changes 1958 The 5th republic was established and the

France of today was created!

They expect that visitors have some knowledge and show appreciation for their culture.

The country seeks to maintain its identity by resisting the growing popularity of cheap fast food, foreign sitcoms, and American music.

The “double kiss” or la bise, kissing on both cheeks is normal between close acquaintances, friends, and family members who are greeting or parting.

French is an important international language. It is an official language of the United Nations and the Olympics.

French students begin learning their first foreign language at age 9, and another at age 13.

School usually runs from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, with a two hour lunch.

Secondary schooling lasts seven years. During the last 2 years of secondary school they are required to take an exam called the baccalaureat . This determines if they can go to college and defines their career possibilities.

Students who pass the exam can go on to college where education is practically free.

Students who do well on the baccalaureat can take an entrance exam to attend the Grandes Ecoles.

FREE COLLEGE!!

The minimum wage in France is €9.40 per hour.

They have a 35 hour work week. The government mandates 5 weeks of paid

vacation to every salaried worker.