Why do the French always lost in the wars?

Question

As I know, France was and still a super power and pretty affective on the planet, but how come they lost all the wars according to history? I mean their weaponaries and war tech are comparable with other NATO and first world countries, but they could suffer a defeat frm those behind developed countries. Why? I feel bad for them

Well, but when I ask a question like this, please do not misunderstand that I have an objective of humanialting the French, I do admire their culture and the bravery of their soldiers who had sacrificed on the battlefield for their great country. And I do know about the good points they have. And merci beau cout for all the given answers, importing answers and future coming answers.

I think I should ask "why did the French lost most of the war they fought?". Because I had receive some desrespectful comment for my original question. And some people gave me some example of victories for the French but in those victories, the French had won because they had an ally helping them at that time like when they were fighting in Africa during WW2. Without the British and American they could not win. And I don't really want to know did they lost all the wars, I just want to know how they lost most of their wars they fought themselves, so do anyone have a better answer?

Answer 1

The French military exploits (and forgettable moments) have been much documented. This comprehensive listing provides some insight into the nation that defeated the Roman Army and went on to sack Rome itself, designed the knight as the mounted warrior, produced military tacticians such as Joan of Arc and Napoleon Bonaparte and the nation that would go on to earn military victories against many of the principalities governing Europe.

Such as:

Battle of Allia - 387 B.C.
The Gauls led by Brennus defeat the army of the Roman Republic led by Quintus Sulpicius and go on to sack Rome itself.

Battle of Gergovia - 52 B.C.
The Gallic Tribes led by Vercingetorix defeat the Roman Republic army of Julius Caesar.

Battle of Soissons - 486 A.D.
The Franks led by King Clovis I defeat Syagrius and the remains of the Western Roman Empire.

Battle of Tolbaic - 496
The Franks led by Clovis I are victorious over the Alamanni.

Battle of Vouille - 507
The Franks led by Clovis I defeat Alaric II (the conqueror of Spain) and his Visigoths in a decisive victory.

Battle of Val-es-Dunes - 1047
William, the Duke of Normandy and King Henry I of France are victorious against the rebel Normans led by Guy of Burgundy.

ONLY A FEW OF THE MORE CURRENT:

Togoland - August 26, 1914
A Franco-British force successfully invades the German West African protectorate of Togoland.

First Battle of the Marne - September 5-10, 1914
A Franco-British force led by Joseph Joffre and John French defeat Germany led by Helmuth von Moltke and Karl von Bulow.

Battle of Ypres - October 19-November 22, 1914
French and British forces gain a victory against Germany.

Battle of Amiens - August 8-11, 1918
French, British, Canadian and Australian forces are victorious over Germany.

Cote d'Ivoire - January 2003
French peace-keeping forces succeed in stabilization of lawless western border.

Well it is really to flip off about France due to mass brainwashing from the government. You should never, ever mock the dead soldiers buried all over the world with no gravestones. That is why you are typing in a Free world. Look at early wars and you would not believe the sacrifices these young boys made.

Answer 2

The French won many wars! Remember a guy named Napoleon? We did not beat the Vietcong either! And without the help from the French, We would still be a English colony! Go back to school and try to stay awake this time in World History Class.

Answer 3

My goodness, if English grammar is too hard - try French.
"Why DID the French always LOSE in the wars (they fought)?"
As I have seem time after time, many Americans come here to ask the same question, and make their petty little comments/answers. You can see many in this very question!

For any nation, such as the French, who have fought for HUNDREDS of years, it has has not only made them "pretty effective" - it has kept France the same size (in territory) as it is today. This is a nation that had many of overseas colonies, and fought long and hard to obtain them, and maintain them. You do not need to "feel bad for them", but as one or two people here have pointed out - you do need to take a better look at France's military history.

Answer 4

man talk about delusions from too much american history in school. You need to read a little not much just a little. They lost in Vietnam and had the sense to pull out before the mass casualties we experienced. I dont think that makes them chicken just a alot smarter. (think of it this way if Xerxes had quit while he still had a few hundred thousand troops he likely could have won.) They basically won in algeria but quit while they were ahead and that was a recent conflict. There was Napoleon. It goes back a while. Does bashing France make the USA seem special. I have no great love for them since they made us fly around their airspace back in the 80's but overall the French have done some pretty serious killing.

Answer 5

Poor leadership. Their soldiers are as capable as anyone's, but piss poor leadership has led to every defeat or debacle they have ever suffered. They haven't had a military leader that was worth a crap since Napoleon. Too bad he turned out to be such a turd.

Answer 6

because these guys make love to the enemy's women...mmm..on second thought..maybe the soldiers is underpaid...

Answer 7

It's that big white flag they carry into battle...

Answer 8

Because they are French fighters..

Answer 9

Must be something bred into their culture that makes them weak willed.