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France Roman emperor Julius Caesar conquers Gaul, which is now France.
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A tribe called the Franks rules the region. The land is named for them.
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Joan of Arc leads French troops against the English at Orléans, ending a siege by the British during the Hundred Years’ War between France and England.
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Louis XIV, the Sun King, reigns longer than any other French ruler. In this era, France gains power throughout Europe. Centralized power around the throne and wanted to make France the greatest nation in Europe
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On July 14, citizens storm the Bastille, a Paris prison. The French Revolution begins. Each year, France celebrates Bastille Day, the event that led to the royal family being overthrown.
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Military hero Napoleon Bonaparte crowns himself emperor after leading France to victory over Europe's strongest nations. In 1815, Napoleon is finally defeated at Waterloo in Belgium.
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The Effiel Tower was built!
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Henri Desgrange founds the Tour de France, the world's most popular and important bicycle race.
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France battles Germany in World War I.
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Versaille, France is the location of the signing of the Treaty of Versaille, which ends World War I.
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Germany invades France during World War II. In 1945, Britain, France, the U.S. and other allies defeat Germany, Japan and Italy.
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After four years, Paris is freed from German occupation. General Charles de Gaulle heads a provisional government in Paris
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The French-Indochina War results in France losing control of colonies in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam.
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François Mitterrand is elected president. He is in office for 14 years, becoming the longest-serving president in French history.
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Edith Cresson becomes France's first female Prime Minister.
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The Channel Tunnel opens, connecting Britain and France under the English Channel.
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Two North Africans were murdered after a police chase in a Paris suburb. French people held a an-immigration protest because they believe immigrants are changing their culture. As the Quebecois believed the British loyalist were changing theirs.
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France implements a ban on covering one’s face in public. This ban includes garments worn by some Muslim women.
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François Hollande is elected President. Hollande is the country's first Socialist President in 17 years. Current 2013 president
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Euro bills and coins are introduced. The euro now is used for all transactions in 12 participating European Union countries.
