afaik we were until like WW2 where the french were absolutely not prepared for an invasion by the Nazis. Vietnam then solidified the idea the french would forever rely on the US to solve their military problems

[–] PugJesus@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

There was also a lot of nasty work inbetween. The US was a supporter of decolonization of European empires in the 1940s and 1950s, which put us in conflict with France; De Gaulle was a horrifically small-minded nationalist who took special delight in being obstinate and sabotaging all attempts at cooperation with countries outside of France; and France resented the US taking the pre-eminent position in Europe despite not being European (or French).

[–] Fedizen@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago

I'd expect De Gaulle would be approved of by the group of boomers that still make fun of france in 2024.