Raellus has covered just about everything I might have said, with greater authority as a history teacher.
I would only add the following: I was unaware, or had forgotten, that DeGaulle's withdrawal from NATO was linked to a policy statement from JFK. Can you give a source for this? Effectively removing US nukes from the defense of NATO sounds like something that would have stood out.
Quote:
Originally Posted by StainlessSteelCynic
Do they not realize that all their "cheese eating surrender monkey" comments just serve to reinforce the French belief of US betrayal?
|
I will add that some things I've read that were written in the '60s and '70s indicate that American disdain for France and its warmaking capabilities go back to about this time. France's withdrawal from NATO and determination to act as another superpower, were seen as a betrayal.
Long-standing myths about French rudeness to visitors were linked to ingratitude for being rescued/liberated in WW1 and WW2.