Vercingétorix
• a défendu la Gaule
(ancien nom de France)
•
S’est rendu à César
dans la ville d’Alésie
•
Après 6 ans, décapité
César
 a unifié les Celtes et les
autres tribus et leur a
donné le nom “gaulois”
(et “Gaule” au pays qui
est maintenant France)
 a vaincu (defeated)
Vercingétorix
 avait une grande
influence pendant 5
siècles
ATTILA 
 Attila: le chef des Huns (un
peuple de l’Asie) qui
faisaient partie des
“barbares”
(leader of Barbarians)
http://www.youtube.com/wat
ch?v=tmdPQy6F-dc
ST. GENEVIÈVE 
 Ils sont allés jusqu’à Paris
où ils sont retournés grâce
aux prières des habitants
qui étaient encouragées
par Geneviève, une bergère
pieuse. Elle est donc
devenue St. Geneviève.
(told people of Paris to pray
for the Huns to turn around
and not invade Paris, which
they did; she is called
“saint” because of it)
GERMANIC GROUPS WHO
ESTABLISHED THEMSELVES IN
GAULE AND FOUGHT
BARBARIANS
CLOVIS, PREMIER ROI DE
FRANCE
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
Wisigoths
Burgondes
Francs
• Led by Mérovée
et his grandson,
Clovis
Clovis=15 ans quand il est
devenu chef
Met Clotilde, a Christian
princess, for whom he
converted to Christianisty
after his promise to do so
upon winning a difficult
battle in Tolbiac

a converti à Reims en 496 et depuis 12 siècles,
tous les rois y étaient couronnés.

Clovis a regné depuis environ 30 ans.

After the death of Clovis, the kings of the
Merovigian dynasty, established by his
grandfather (Mérovée), took little care of the
administration and it was thus weakened.

It was then that the prime minister, “Maire de
Palais” (Charles Martel) had to take over.



Charles Martel was the “Maire de Palais”
during the new threat to France by the Arab
Invasion.
The Arabs had already invaded Africa and
Northern Spain and were now in France. One
of their missions was to convert these
societies to Islam.
They made it to the town of Poitiers, where
they were defeated by Martel in 732.
Charles Martel’s son, Pepin le Bref took over as
“Maire de Palais”, and made himself king.
 Established a new dynasty and the kings of this
dynasty were called “les Caroligiens”.
 Charlemagne (Pepin’s son) was the grandest king of
the “Caroligiens” and was crowned emperor in 800.
 Contributed greatly to society, by establishing
towns, routes and schools and the formation of a
clergy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTTaVnZyG2g

Charles Martel
(maire du palais)
Pepin le Bref
(roi)
Charlemagne
(empereur)
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

After death of Charlemagne, the “Caroligien”
dynasty was divided among his 3 grandsons.
This caused it to weaken, which encouraged
new invasions, most notably by the
Scandavian people referred to as the “men of
the north” (“normands”).
France gave up large area of north to appease
this group, and this area was named
“Normandie”
Power duke of Normandy who invaded England in
1066 and defeated the king of England at the Battle
of Hastings.
 Crowned himself King of England
 Feudalism (upper nobility had power) and language
of Normands brought to England

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQ8A5gRe
_Dw

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
Bloody battles between France and England
lasted for centuries.
Kings of England (descendants of Guillaume) ,
owned, through marriages, almost half of
France by now.
For this fact, kings of both countries were in
war for so long.
11ème siècle: Crusaders wanted to liberate
Jerusalem, which had been occupied by the Turcs
 King Louis IX (NEUF) was one of the greatest
crusaders, and the son of Blanche de Castille, an
intelligent and pious woman.
 Took on 2 crusades in Jerusalem and died of the
plague during the 2nd crusade.
 Is referred to as Saint-Louis and 1 of greatest kings
of France
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Lasted more than 200 years
Led to dissolution of feudalism because the
kings had to sell much of their lands to finance
their expeditions
Brought about exchange of ideas and goods
between great civilizations of East and West,
which encouraged development of towns and
long commercial routes
Liberation of Jerusalem never achieved, but
Crusades brought much advancement to West

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
14th century, king Edouard III of England started
once again wars between France and England to
seize throne of France (called 100 Years War---1337-1453)
Two great battles of this war at Crécy and
Azincourt were won by the English
Successors of Edouard III continued war until
death of Charles VI (king of France, who, in 1422,
signed treaty in which he gave France to
England

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England now occupied a large of France,
including Paris, Reims and Bordeaux
Jeanne d’Arc, a courageous and pious young
girl wanted to save her country.
Undertook long trip from Domrémy to
Chinon to see the eldest son of king of France
(le dauphin) to convince him to battle English
Won battle of Orléans
After victory at battle of Orléans, Jeanne d’Arc and dauphin
went to Reims and dauphin was crowned King Charles VII.
 Jeanne d’Arc continued to the battle of Compiègne, where
she was captured by the Bourguignons, allies of the English.
 Bourgignons sold her to the English and accused her of being
a sorcerer and she was burned at stake.
 100 Years war ended a few years after her death when the
English were finally driven out of France.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQydMhY9OpI

After 100 Years War, people realized the
importance of one unified central
government under a powerful monarch.
 Sires of feudal systems voluntarily submitted
to king because they had lost power
 2 dukes refused to submit to king:
 Duke of Bretagne
 Duke of Bourgogne
wanted to enlarge

duchy

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Defeated duke of Bourgogne (led by Charles de
Téméraire) and Bourgogne again became part of
kingdom of France.
At death of Louis XI, Bretagne remained the only
part that was not united with France.
Louis XI’s son, Charles VIII, married Anne, the
duchess of Bretagne and finally Bretagne was
once again part of France.
Charles VIII=king of grand united kingdom



With France now having all of its territories,
Charles VIII and his cousin, Louis XII, wanted to
gain duchies of Naples and Milan in the then
weak land of Italy
François Ier succeeded Charles VIII and
continued expeditions in Italy
Never acquired parts of Italy, but France was
greatly influenced by Italian architecture, in
marking the beginning of the Renaissance



Italian architectural influence is seen in the
beautiful chateaux of Loire valley, including
Chatque de Chambord and Fontainebleau
(which is not far from Paris).
François Ier encouraged greatly the
development of French art, education and
literature.
Popular writers and poets at this time:
Rabelais, Montaigne, Ronsard (poet)



During the Renaissance, a large religious
movement, which encouraged protestantism
in Germany by Martin Luther began, called la
Réforme.
Henri de Navarre, a Huguenot (and
protestant) had succeeded his cousin and
took over in France, but people would not
crown him king because he wasn’t catholic.
Finally converted and was accepted as King
Henri IV



Referring to as “le bon roi Henri” because of the prosperity of
France under his reign.
Was best known for his “Édit de Nantes”, which authorized
protestants to freely practice their religion. This was the first
edict at that time period to have ever been established for
religious freedom.
Henri IV was assassinated in 1610 after 16 years of reigning,
by a religious fanatic, Ravaillac.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOOInlkhL8A&feature=rela
ted
Son of Henri IV (Louis XIII) was only 9 when his dad was
assassinated
 Marie de Médicis, his wife, who ruled until Louis XIII became
an adult.
 When Louis XIII took over, France was in trouble, but luckily
had cardinal Richelieu as his adviser.
 Richelieu never hesitated to take action when necessary to
stop conflicts between nobles, as well as religious conflicts.
 Richelieu paved the way for the absolute monarchy of Louis
XIV.

 “L’état c’est moi”: I am the state.
17ème siècle
His living quarters were the most magnificent in
Europe.
 Had Versailles gardens built, which include the
“Galerie des Glaces”, the Hall of Mirrors.
 Encouraged education, literature, arts
 Named “Roi Soleil” (Sun King) because of his
brilliant court

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Reigned 72 years!
Fought many victorious battles including against Spain, England and
Germany, which became costly. 
People of France had to finance these wars by paying outrageous taxes,
and were not happy.
He also overturned the Edith of Nantes (that was written by Henri IV) and
made the Huguenots (Protestants) flee France. This caused problems, as
they were a very productive part of France.
Despite the unfortunate fleeing of the Huguenots, the Académie
Française was established, which conserved the purity, clarity and
eloquence of the French language.
Great French writers of this century included Corneille, Descartes,
Racine, Molière ( very famous comedian/writer). This time period was
called “L’Àge d’Or”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdX3pe6Bt7c



Great grandson of Louis XIV, took over after Louis XIV.
Committed same errors as Louis XIV, including wars and
spending.
Il a dit: “Après moi, le déluge.” (after me, the flood)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D32g88i_i5w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05VRVa_vxBo&NR=1

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Marie-Antoinette, Louis XVI’s wife, was an Austrian young lady who liked
to spend a lot.
Writers Voltaire, Montesquieu, Rousseau helped “fire up” the citizens of
France who were not happy about the treasury being depleted (France
running out of money). They also influenced other European countries
and even the colonies in America to want a democracy and
independence.
Benjamin Franklin (first American ambassador to the court of Louis XVI)
came to France for military and financial aid in the fight for
independence from England. Because of England and France’s long
history of conflict, Louis XVI was happy to help. They gave the colonies
financial and military aide, notable the marquis LaFayette, who helped
the colonies.
The treasury was gone and Louis XVI called to action the Etats-Généraux
(Estates General), which consisted of the nobles, clergy and bourgeoisie
and people of the state. They were to make a decision on raising taxes.



Because of the way the system was set up,
the clergy and nobles didn’t have to pay
taxes, so the people in the “tier état” (third
estate) didn’t have much of a say in decisions
of the government.
After being fed up, they stormed the Bastille
prison, which held political prisoners and
destroyed the prison on July 14, 1789.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K1q9Ntc
r5g&feature=related



King Louis XVI tried to flee France with his
family, but was arrested, emprisoned and
eventually beheaded by the guillotine in 1793.
The people abolished the monarchy to
establish a republic in France.
Other monarchies in Europe, alarmed by this
event, formed coalitions against France, so
France was threatened by the outside, as well
as the royalists on the inside.



Robespierre, a large influence during the
French revolution, put to death thousands of
suspects who were against France being a
republic. This included the Queen MarieAntoinette.
His reign of terror only ended after his
execution.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGy73YM
04sc
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
France was still under attack by European
monarchies, so it needed a strong leader.
Napoléon Bonaparte, 26, was named “Premier
Consul” (leader of France) and 5 years later,
emperor
took the name “Napoléon Ier (premier)”
He did a lot of good for Paris, including editing the
civil code (Code Napoléon), which still exists.
Invaded Moscow (in Russia), but were running out of
food and protection and it turned disastrous after 2
years.
1814, forced to abdicate (give up throne)
Was exiled at island of Elbe, not far from Corse
where he was born.
 1 year later, people of France were unhappy under
the monarchy of Louis XVIII
 Napoleon brought his new army all the way to
Belgium, where he was defeated by the English 100
days after his return at the Battle of Waterloo by the
Duke of Wellington.
 Exiled at St. Helene island, until death in 1821
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyFbSyNKVOo



LOUIS-PHILIPPE=“ROI
CITOYEN”
LOUIS XVIII (ENCORE); CHARLES
X=MONARCH
After the 100 day
Napoléon comeback and
re-exile, Louis XVIII took
over again with the help of
other European monarchs.
Charles X, brother of Louis
XVIII, took over after his
death and reinstated the
monarchy, in the period
that is called “la
Restauration”.
In 1830, the people revolted against
this restoration of the monarchy, so
he had to step down.
 His cousin, Louis-Philippe took over.
He was popular because of his
simplicity, but not for long, because
he was too laid back, and did not
appear concerned with the people’s
wishes including Universal Suffrage
(the right for all to vote, not just
men over the age of 21)
 Forced into exile by the revolution in
1848

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Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte (nephew of Napoléon) took over
and 3 years after his election,named himself emperor in
1852.
Took name “Napoléon III”.
Was ambitious like his uncle and sent troops to take over in
Mexico while Mexico was in political and economic turmoil.
Napoleon told Maximilian (originally from Austria) that he
had been chosen by the Mexicans for a monarch, but he only
used him as his puppet, and this was, in fact, not the case.
After one year, Napoleon III pulled his army from Mexico,
and Maximilien no longer had any support
He was imprisoned and shot by Benito Juarez, the leader of
the Mexicans.





Napoleon had failed his attempt to establish
a French empire in the New World
His popularity had declined in France
“Premier ministre” of Prussia, Otto von
Bismarck, make Napoleon III declare war on
Prussia, knowing nobody would come to his
aide.
France lost Alsace and Lorraine
End of Second Empire


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Constitution of 1875
Unions were established
Regulated working conditions for women and children
Guaranteed pensions for working class
Public schools were becoming widespread and higher
education was favored
Science
• Louis Pasteur
• Marie and Pierre Curie
•
•
•
•
Literature
Honoré de Balzac
Victor Hugo
Emile Zola
Lamartine (poet)
 France established colonies all over the world
 Asia: Indochine (no longer)
 Pacific: Tahiti, Nouvelle-Calédonie (present day)
 West Hemisphere: Martinique, Guadeloupe
 South America: Guyane Française (French Guinea)
 Africa:
many used to be French colonies, but
are all now independent, but still Frenchspeaking (along with other languages)
France,
Angleterre, Russie
(plus tard les E.U.)
Allemagne,
Autriche, Bulgarie






Treaty of Versailles gave back Alsace and Lorraine to
France, and did not allow Germany to rearm itself.
Adolf Hitler took over and established a dictatorship
and rejected treaty and occupied Austria and
Czechoslovakia.
France and England declared war on Germany.
1940, Hitler invaded France and at this time, so did
Mussolini (Italian dictator)
North of France=occupied by Hitler
South of France=temporary government under
Pétain, French hero of WWI
The French resisted this occupation by Hitler’s troops and
formed groups to fight his army.
 General Charles de Gaulle had escaped from France and
went to Germany, where he formed army called “l’armée de
la France Libre” and joined the Allies.
 The second group was called “la Résistance” and helped
eventually stop Hitler.
 Invasion of Normandy was last great invasion of war in
Europe
 France was liberated in 1945, in Reims, German army
surrendered.
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpKVtyZISfQ&feature=r
elated

1947: New Constitution was written
 Monsieur Vincent Auriol=first president of 4th
Republic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpKVtyZISf
Q&feature=related
• Much instability during 13 years due to
German occupation, war in Viet-Nam
(Indochine), North African countries seeking
independence, etc.



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
René Coty, successor of Vincent Auriol, National
Assembly accedpt Charles de Gaulle as the
“président du Conseil des Ministres”, who really
executed the powers in the government.
De Gaulle revised the Constitution by referendum in
1958.
Colonies of France that voted against the new
constitution would automatically gain
independence.
Guinée Française in Africa, thus, became
independent.
Charles de Gaulle=president of 5th Republic



Early 60s, France was losing its influence in
Algeria, which was becoming more Arab than
French.
Eventually, in 1962, France put an end to the
war.
French people living in Algeria did not want
Algeria to NOT be a part of France anymore,
so they were upset about the decision.
Name
De Gaulle
Alan Poher (interim)
Georges Pompidou
Duration of Term
1959-1969
1969
1969-1974
Alan Poher (interim)
Valery Giscard d’Estaing
1974
1974-1981
François Mittérand
Jacques Chirac
1981-1995
1995-2007
Political Party
Union for New Republic
Democratic Centre
Union of Democrats
for the Republic
Democratic Centre
Independent Republicans(‘74-’77)
Union for French DemocracyRepublican Party (‘77-’81)
Socialist Party
Rally for the Republic (‘95-’02)
Nicolas Sarkozy
2007-2012
Union for a Popular Movement (’02-’07)
Union for a Popular Movement
François Hollande
2012-present
Socialist Party

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe13361974 (New election-2012)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_p
rofiles/999717.stm (France timeline)