1. FRANCE

2. France is the largest and one of the most modern countries in Europe
France is the largest and one of the most modern countries in Europe. It is bordered by the English Channel, the Mediterranean Sea, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, and Luxemburg. It is home to the tallest mountain in Europe, Mont Blanc.

3. Comparing France to Texas
Size: France and Texas are about the same size in square miles.
Population: France has 65 million people, Texas, 24 million.
Climate: France has cool winters, warm summers in the north, tropical along the Mediterranean coast. Texas’ climate is varied according to location…snow and cold can be brutal in the north, nearly tropical in the south. Texas has a desert…Europe is the only continent that has no desert!

4. French flag
The colors of the French flag stand for Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. These words were a slogan from the French Revolution.

5. Natural Resources France has several natural resources… coal iron ore
bauxite (aluminum)
zinc
uranium (nuclear power)
antimony (fire retardant)
arsenic (semi-conductors)
potash (soap)
timber
fish

6. Major French Cities
Marseilles
Paris
Lyons
Avignon

7. Information that all French kids know about French History!!!
Clovis: 1st king of France
Charlemagne (Charles Martel) crowned Emperor in Rome (732)
France was ruled by kings from about 732AD until the French Revolution.
French Revolution (1789) Bastille is over-run…the play Les Miserables is set during this time period.
Napoleon, a war hero of the French Revolution and other campaigns becomes dictator of France, off and on until 1815.
Franco-Prussian War 1870 (loss of Alsace-Lorraine, now Germany) WW
Front Populaire (France had a Socialist government)
WW : Germany defeated and occupied France for more than 4 years.

8. Clovis I, King of France
United most of northern and central France under his rule
Baptisted in the Roman Catholic faith, bringing Christianity to France.

9. Charlemagne Expanded French territory
Prevented Muslims from coming into France (as they had done in Spain)

10. Napoleon Bonaparte Ruled France, 1804-1814 and for 94 days in 1815
Brilliant military leader
Invaded much of Europe during what was called the Napoleonic Wars.
He invaded Russia in 1812, a turning point in his career. His army reached Moscow, but were trapped by the extreme cold of the Russian winter. Historians say he was defeated by Generals December, January and February.

11. World War I France was involved in WWI from 1914-1918.
WWI was a victory for France, but many lives were lost.
It took 10 years to rebuild the country after the war.

12. Socialism in France, 1936
The Front Populaire, France elects a socialist government.

13. World War II France was defeated by Germany in 1940.
Germany occupied France for 4 years.
Life was difficult during the occupation, with food being a major concern.

14. France Today
Les Trentes Glorieuses or 30 years of prosperity ( )
Charles de Gaulle was president during this time.
Present day: Nicholas Sarkozy is president.