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

 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

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 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 XVIMarie-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)  4 th Republic established  The French Union was established but wars against communism forced changes  1958 The 5 th 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.