History of France In Brief
Religion has always played the main role in the developing of French people, and as usual it was not peaceful events concerning this question.
If we turn to the previous days, there were religious wars between different forces: Protestants and Catholics. During this war the nations of Europe, such as English, German, and Spanish fought for power and recognition of their believe. Then this great war continued as the War of the Three Henrys, during which Henry de Guise was killed by Henry III. As Henry de Guise was the leader of Catholic league, his comrades assassinated Henry III in return. The next king, also Henry III, but of Navarre, and well-known as the king Henry IV, singed the Edict of Nantes (1598). And maybe it was not a long period between the new beginning of the religious conflict, that was continued by Cardinal de Richelieu, forcing to disarm the army of the Protestants in 1627.
The other important problem in the life of France was the monarchy and all the questions, concerning the power. One of the most significant periods in the history of France is the Second Empire by Napoleon. During this time France became one of the most powerful countries in Europe. The successful colonial expansion to Asia and Africa was provided at this time. The influence of France in some regions of those places still remained. When the time of Napoleon ended, the monarchy was restored, but very soon overthrown again.
Nowadays France has remained to be one of the powerful countries in the world. Owing to its economic and military forces it continues to have influence on its previous colonies in the other parts of the world. France has the fourth-powerful economy, letting ahead such countries as the USA, Japan and Germany. The heavy industrial production is at good quality as well as the agricultural sector.
|
