Was France even really important before Napoleon?

>american education

>>68133825
Yes

Prior to the 18th century it was pretty much the most powerful country in the world. Or, at the very least, it was the most influential country from a cultural point of view.

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Arabs were selling French women before Napoleon.

>>68133880
How so?

>>68133825
Of course m8, despite the white flag meme they've won the vast majority of the wars they were involved in throughout their long history.
For example, France's (albeit late) participation in the 30 years war forced Spain to fight on multiple fronts, along the Pyrenees, Catalonia, both sides of their low country territories (as this coincided with Spains war against the defacto independent Dutch Republic) as well as in Portugal, Lombardy and Naples. Spain was getting butt fucked by rebellions so France's involvement did them no favors. This prevented Spain from sending aid to the Imperial forces, who were also forced to fight on multiple fronts, primarily Franconia and Alsace/Baden. France's entry into the war prevented the Imperial army from capitalizing on their gains against Sweden and ultimately forced them into compromising with their enemies. The peace of Westphalia marked the rise of Sweden's imperial years and also marked the end of both the 30 and 80 years war, dealing a crippling blow to Spanish and Austrian prestige. France secured it's hold on Lorraine as part of their gains from the war, as well as taking territory from the Spanish and gaining suzerainty over several Alsatian towns which paved the way for France's consolidation of the province by the turn of the 18th century
t. history fag

>>68134013
...
I bet you're one of those uncultured fucks that say "france needs a new napoleon"

>>68135065

There is literally nothing wrong with that statement.

Lol no

>>68135065
France is a shell of its former self. If it were to disappear right now, the only thing we'd lose would be crappy musicals.