Why did Britain and France stop fighting and become allies? (Short Animated Documentary)

[@GanyuSimpingDegenerate]

"Never thought I'd die fighting side by side with a Frenchman" "How about with an ally?" "Ey I can do that"

[@BossVolt]

*Later...* UK: "...You still suck though." France: "Yeah, you too."

[@Itsmyface]

Later Britain runs away and lets france die alone in ww2 .And then mocks how they surrendered.

[@dongerforbearcubs4230]

@@Itsmyface they sent troops to France how is that running away

[@casparvoncampenhausen5249]

@@Itsmyface the defended France and lost a great deal of soldiers doing so

[@Wickedonezz]

@@Itsmyface maybe don't lose in a month lol

[@franjopego1]

"Britain would let France take the lead on European affairs and in return Britain wouldn't have to deal with European affairs" sounds like a great deal for everyone involved and one sure to stand the test of time no matter what.

[@treasureobasuyi894]

@Les Brouettes Hyperactives with France at Germany's side

[@silverhost9782]

@@treasureobasuyi894 more like underneath them but sure

[@BobPantsSpongeSquare97]

@@silverhost9782 no because if France left the EU it would make things worst for Germany as it needs to have a strong lieutenant

[@treasureobasuyi894]

@@BobPantsSpongeSquare97 thank you for clarifying for me.

[@tomendruweit9386]

@Les Brouettes Hyperactives germany Respekts france and the german people mostly Respekt the french too. You are who we send if we need drama or someone shoot

[@genzalarboa3110]

When a British officer challenged the nobility of Surcouf (a famous French corsair) with these words: “You, French, you fight for money. While we English fight for honour! » Surcouf replied: “Everyone fights for what they lack. »

[@brianstasko4293]

Nice

[@DehydratedDarkness]

Nobody has any idea who actually said that, it's attributed to like twenty different people and the only agreement is that a Frenchman was involved on either side

[@christianbroadbent7489]

But he just called himself poor

[@coulochonou6376]

@@christianbroadbent7489 i'd rather be poor than have no honour

[@Eltipoquevisteayer]

The roast

[@NIDELLANEUM]

Imagine trying to explain to a Frenchman and an Englishman at any point in history, that France and England are strong allies now

[@psychokinrazalon]

Ye Olde person: “🤯.”

[@wilfredwayne7139]

Were strong allies.

[@scholaroftheworldalternatehist]

Like explaining to an Indian and Pakistani today that one day they'll probably be allies

[@spitfire7482]

Well it wouldn't surprise them that much probably, I mean Austria and Germany fight each other a lot of times and in the end they were allies in ww1

[@firstconsul7286]

It'd be confusing until you explain that it was because Germany united into one great power. That is, if you're speaking to someone who has any understanding about geopolitics.

[@aestheticaero55]

When you’ve been fighting for centuries, but then Germany unites and starts building boats

[@Sorieat]

😂

[@alanwilson4860]

100%

[@XXXTENTAClON227]

*Russia

[@brandonlyon730]

Yet despite that, the German empire never beaten Britain’s naval blockade during WW1, which eventually starved the nation.

[@Soylent2024]

@@brandonlyon730 so Britain was the suspicious A hole who wanted to crush their economic opponent of Germany? They created the 1930s Germany lol

[@terezajeneralova351]

I’ve always found it interesting, how a common threat, common enemy, can bring together even those very unlikely to do so.

[@AngloJack23]

England and Germany are two Brothers. Sadly the french divided us, 1907

[@AngloJack23]

I meant. Britain should have joined the Central Powers

[@theparadigm8149]

Yup! “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Britain’s enemy was Russia during the 19th century and France was an enemy of Russia, so therefore, France and Britain became friends. Then, Germany became the new bad guy of the 20th century

[@Mellow_Man2001]

As an Englishman, I prefer the Germans.

[@adrianjohnson7920]

That's why when the French Revolution started and the factions were at each other's throats, the Committee of Public Safety started a war with Austria to unify the country against a common enemy.

[@firingallcylinders2949]

In the documentary: "They shall not grow old" a British veteran of WW1 speaking about German POWs said that many of them when captured didn't understand why they were fighting each other and thought that they should team up and both fight France.

[@korosuke1788]

That would have prevented the US from eclipsing the UK, and it'd have also postergate decolonization of HK, for example. The UK fucked up big time since the nazis overextended, they would have been unable to keep conttol on both France and Poland. Enter Russia and the UK would have had an army intacto to mop up the nazis if she wished so.

[@adenmitchell7633]

@@korosuke1788 but almost all of eroupe would be a communist puppet state

[@tomasbeltran04050]

@@adenmitchell7633 why?

[@novedad4468]

@Sam Wallace You say it as if that wasnt the primary reason Brittain fought most of its wars...

[@aaaaaaaa9249]

@Sam Wallace wasn’t that britain’s goal till after ww2 when colonialisation wasn’t cool anymore?

[@merouln700]

I burst into laughter when I saw how you illustrated how France and Britain "remained distant"

[@dw620]

Attention to detail... the Channel Isles weren't left behind!

[@hakrj12]

That literally is an accurate historical representation of what happened.

[@JohnSmith-qi6pm]

BuRsT iNtO LaUgHtEr

[@thebirdaplierphd.memeology3411]

POV: Brexit

[@jimtaylor294]

Well we Brit's make no secret of how we'd happily move the UK elsewhere if we could *XD* . (to the Far East for instance; as we have more in common with Japan than with France)

[@TheLoneTerran]

I absolutely love the "Sank your fleet" when stating they kept finding new lows to hit.

[@iankemp1131]

The low in this case being below sea level, the bottom of Oran harbour :)

[@owenlee4080]

France: come over Britain: Can't, doing Splendid Isolation France: Germany is building dreadnoughts Britain: GLORY TO THE ENTENTE

[@ShireTommy_1916_Somme-Mametz]

No, I wish we sided with the Kaiser 1914. Never again will British blood be spilt, on a foreign soil

[@ShireTommy_1916_Somme-Mametz]

Remove entente now

[@tiringsarcasm]

@Techstorm 123 The difference would be the east and the polish people still living in eastern germany. Even before the war they were attempting to germanize the local population because it was roughly 60% german and 40% polish and the government feared they would eventually rebel.

[@lechad8686]

@@ShireTommy_1916_Somme-Mametz Germany was Britain's greatest rival then. And British blood have been spilt all over the world...

[@irenaveksler1935]

@@ShireTommy_1916_Somme-MametzRealistically that would lead to the eventual collapse of Britain

[@galatheumbreon6862]

Britain: I hate you France: I hate you German empire: starts existing Both France and Britain: let’s hate that guy

[@dabbasw31]

Part 2: Germany and France: Let's stop hating each other. :) Britain: Actually...

[@khada6226]

@@dabbasw31 part 3 ussr: exist uk, france, germany: we all hate each other but i hate that guy more

[@Ok-but]

my france is a dere a tsun, tsundere

[@Neion8]

@@Ok-but France, the nation of dere Britain, the empire where the Tsun never sets...

[@EldestSauce]

Everyone knows you make friends at work by hating the same coworker.

[@hkjain14]

You've put up some amazing content through thorough research. Just a quick suggestion : With the events, can you add a placeholder for the year (or period) when those take place. This would help in even greater context for viewers in understanding and analysing the occurrence of various events.

[@ShortHax]

"But everything changed when the German nation attacked"

[@lifeuncovered6188]

imagine living in the comment section... bozo get a life

[@twicethegalo]

@@lifeuncovered6188 bro they're just vibin

[@Marylandbrony]

Only the Supreme Allied Commander, master of all 4 nations could stop them.

[@Alusnovalotus]

“United” German nation 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@eyitayo1584]

@@lifeuncovered6188 bro chill

[@somebody754]

Germany may not be the best at winning wars but they're sure good at turning enemies into friends

[@savagedarksider5934]

I prefer Germany over France.

[@goldenproductions7831]

@@savagedarksider5934 same

[@DenTehSand]

That's not germany as a whole, that's just the incompetent kaiser wilhelm the second

[@gillesaboubechara2978]

@@savagedarksider5934 Same❤🇩🇪

[@savagedarksider5934]

@@DenTehSand French hatred Germany no matter who sit on the throne.

[@Hand-in-Shot_Productions]

I just watched this again (the second time I did so, with the first time being around the time this video was uploaded), and I found this quite entertaining and informative! Now I know what turned France and Great Britain, historical arch-enemies of one another, into close allies: a common enemy in Russia, Germany, and the USSR, as well as Britain leaving Europe to France! Thanks for the video! Also, nice illustration of an "ascendant Germany" at 2:31, and nice enemies time-lapse at 2:58!

[@carter342000]

The Anglo-French relationship is essentially the worlds longest running sibling rivalry. It’s just that we have got out of the teenage phase and gone into the passive aggressive frieniemes stage.

[@bippo8901]

At this point we’re just standing on either side of the channel giving each other the finger

[@jewgoslav1878]

Sweden and Denmark would like a word with you.

[@jimtaylor294]

@@bippo8901 Well in the UK's case: two fingers ;-) .

[@jimtaylor294]

@@jewgoslav1878 Yeah, but such rivalries are everywhere: Argentina & Chile Argentina & Brazil Bulgaria & Romania Greece & Turkey Greece & Italy Austria & Italy (former) Albania & Italy Iraq & Iran Israel & ... anyone next door Honduras & El Salvador Poland & Russia China & Japan India & Pakistan Australia & NZ

[@rei_meyer_]

Pretty much the plot of Rocky I and II

[@nickmacarius3012]

"Men are moved by only two levers only: fear and self-interest." -Napoleon (the better one)

[@avolto4822]

Lmao the better one. I’m preferable to Napoleon No-not-that-napoleon.

[@Perririri]

Napoleon Dynamite, the better Napoleon!! 😂

[@richard35791]

the better one part killed me😂😂

[@LuckyPigeon1111]

Which one was the better one?

[@addzay3135]

@@LuckyPigeon1111 the first

[@Plelement94]

On a personal scale, EdwardVII was also instrumental in improving British-french relations after Victorias death. A few historians feel it may have been to validate his frequent visits to Paris, which would have been unpopular if the nations were still rivals

[@RhenishHelm]

This is to say nothing of the citizens, however. My great-grandfather was a Frenchman from Montargis who left France for Canada in search of work. When WW1 broke out, he chose to fight for Canada, not to return home and fight for France. Since Canada was a British dominion, his family took it as a him siding with his homeland's longest and more bitter rival. They disowned him. Ironically, he spent most of the war in France and fought at Vimy Ridge, but it didn't ameliorate relations with his parents or siblings. After the war, he married a French Canadian woman and remained in Canada for the rest of his life.

[@AimonsL_oignon]

Une histoire très intrigante

[@bigyin2586]

Defend France, but if you do it in khaki rather than pale blue, you're a traitor? Why hadn't they already disowned him for migrating to the British empire?

[@RhenishHelm]

@@bigyin2586 I suppose there was something more visceral about seeing your child/sibling wearing the colours of the "enemy." It's certainly an irrational reaction, bound up in cultural identity and pride. I don't resent them for it, however. In the 1910s, the "new world" was still seen as a land of opportunity and Canada had a sizeable population with deep French roots. So long as he mingled with "his own" and didn't become too tightly involved in the Anglophone world, I guess it wouldn't be a problem. Serving the British Crown as a rifleman, on the other hand, would have confirmed every fear they had about his emigration from home. It's also possible that there were existing tensions between him and them, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. I've never met any of my extended family from France, but I would be curious to know their side of things.

[@RhenishHelm]

@freneticness _ I understand from a logical perspective it makes little sense, but from the perspective of a poor (and possibly uneducated) family that prized loyalty, it seemed like a betrayal of who my great-grandfather was, at his core. It was almost a religious obsession with national/cultural identity, and, given the option of returning to France or fighting for Canada, to choose the latter was viewed as apostasy. Therefore, unless there were deeper tensions at play, to which I'd never been privy, it appears on the surface to be entirely emotional and irrational action. I suppose his decision not to pursue a familial reconciliation, but remain in his new home, might point to mutual disagreement. I never had the opportunity to meet my great-grandfather, but his son - my maternal grandfather - has a very stubborn and standoffish character. I wonder if he learned it from his father, and my great-grandfather from his own father. I don't know.

[@aladinbenterzi1315]

@freneticness _ Historically france was the colonnial power who had struggled the most in populating its colonies with its citizens simply because the french didn't want to immigrate having deep and strong ties with their lands and bcz of this i could understand the resentment those who chose to immigrate can face especially if they choose to do so to their centuries old archenemy, it's true that the 2 countries became allies in the 19th century but their populations still held the history long rivarly rooted within their cultural identities to the point many french people favored a german occupation over a british domination

[@billt8504]

In the 1980's and early 1990's I worked at IBM in the DC area of Maryland. We had a lot of international IBM'ers visit the campus. I asked a guy from the UK one time about this subject. His response (this is around 1990 or 1991): "for the past two hundred years or so, Britain's foreign policy seems complicated but is very simple: 'don't ever let anyone unify the continent.' ALWAYS side against the strongest continental power. Spain early, then France, then Germany." Today (2021) Russia is the big threat, so UK is at peace with France and Germany.

[@mrfreeman2911]

It is a reason Britain often thought with and for the small nations. Portugal being the oldest ally for this reason. Hell, we even supported the Dutch when they needed it.

[@thunderbird1921]

In the 1850s, Austria was also seen as a threat to British power (as a matter of fact, British generals and admirals apparently drew up potential war plans). This is partially due to the fact that Austria and Russia often collaborated in the 19th Century, but relations between the two powers fractured and then France took care of the Austria problem for Britain when the War of Italian Unification occurred in 1859. What makes that conflict funny is that Britain at first opposed the conflict, but when they realized it could be to their advantage, they intervened and backstabbed Naples (their old Napoleonic Wars ally) to build a larger Italy that could counterbalance both Austria AND France in power.

[@Steeyuv]

@@thunderbird1921 Apols, I read that as 'Australia'. A lot we have to fear from canned ockers 12,000 miles away, but the Brits do like to keep their eyes on the horizon.

[@oj3458]

Have you ever watched ‘yes minister’ where he explains why the uk is joining the eu in the 70’s and he basically says its so we can screw up Europe from the inside. I suppose you could say Brexit is just the uk screwing over the continent ‘divide and conquer’ its our speciality😂

[@sevenprovinces]

@@mrfreeman2911 "We even supported the Dutch when they needed it" - what a load of nonsense. You mean discounting the 4 Anglo-Dutch wars and failed attempts at invading the Netherlands and the sacking and burning of Scheveningen and Den Burg in Texel? Support was only given to the Netherlands out of fear of another great power occupying it; Napoleon, Hitler when England itself failed to do so.

[@Aconitum_napellus]

I like to think we're like siblings that spent years fighting as kids but, for now at least, we're friends.

[@creatoruser736]

The Russo-Japanese War was also important in getting them to ally. After Japan's victory France saw Russia as too weak of an ally and Britain saw Russia as no longer a threat to their colonial possessions, so they both saw joining together as a good move to counter Germany.

[@233Deadman]

Well after the disaster that was the Russian Navy in that war, the British were certainly unconcerned about Russia challenging them at sea. The only reason the Russian navy failed to start several new wars was because their gunnery was so abysmal, which is why one British admiral joked that if they needed to intervene, the Royal Navy should only send one ship to make it an even fight.

[@XXXTENTAClON227]

Which is ironic because: “Japan's alliance with the British meant, in part, that if any nation allied itself with Russia during any war against Japan, then Britain would enter the war on Japan's side. Russia could no longer count on receiving help from either Germany or France without the danger of British involvement in the war. With such an alliance, Japan felt free to commence hostilities, if necessary.” Essentially, Britain was the referee who really favoured one side and kept giving them help without declaring war.

[@tremedar]

@@XXXTENTAClON227 Russia was so very lucky that Britain wasn't in a "Kick ass and take names" mood because the Russian 2nd pacific disaster made it soooo easy for them at Dogger Bank. There they managed to actually hit one of the phantom torpedo boats kamchatka kept seeing, only it was a fishing trawler.

[@kristi4113]

Everyone was kinda shocked back then that Japan won.

[@richard35791]

well i know russian naval is pathetic, but japan win against rusia is overhyped, japan only win and took half of sakhalin island, less than 1 percent russian troops in sakhalin island, y know transport was hard and slow in early 1900s, first you need to supply material from central rusia which is 1000km, then send it to vladivostok, and its almost impossible to coordinate quick between vladivostok and moskow command about sakhalin island war

[@finny01]

I love how almost every video that includes recent history starts with "It all began during the reign of napoleon"

[@TheFranchiseCA]

The end of the French monarchy, the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire, colonial reorganization, the roots of Italian unification, Russian fears of invasion, and more. Napoleon had some lasting effects.

[@YourGayOverlord]

To quote previous history matters: "because of course it did"

[@melodi_bunniez]

To be honest 99.9% of modern things and events are somewhat related to the French Revolution or the Napoleonic Wars Holy crap France is more influential than I thought-

[@nicolasrey2754]

@@TheFranchiseCA True that, and even the roots of German unification. The French domination of the continent gave birth to the German national identity. Germany was born in resentment, and to some extent, I guess you could say it is Napoleon's monster baby. This explains why the German Empire was proclaimed in Versailles.

[@SuperThischannel]

You can easily argue that the entire post-WWII world order is because of Napoleon. I personally think that napoleon’s influence on history ended with the end of the Cold War, but you can also easily argue that his influence will continue to last until the USA loses its power.

[@davidyoung2111]

I love your videos but PLEASE make longer more in depth ones too. The humour you use is 2nd to none, funny as hell.

[@LouisSmith1776]

I love how there was a survey asking people from European nations and there was “the most hard working, most trustful, laziest and least trustful” and both the UK and France put each other in least trustful

[@Ricardo-zo1ti]

I mean, it's pretty easy for them to answer that question. The problem is for the rest of the world to choose the least trustworthy of the two :P

[@goofygrandlouis6296]

@@Ricardo-zo1ti That would have to be England. In fact as we speak, their fishermen are hoarding all the fish from the Channel, even during mating season. It's destroying the stocks for a buck. 😑 They'll never change.

[@jgw9990]

@@goofygrandlouis6296 French fisherman fished their own waters to total extinction lol. France is raging at the post EU deal because they can't do the same to other people's waters.

[@goofygrandlouis6296]

@@jgw9990 😊 Funny... how the content of the news changes from one side of the Channel to the other... just like the driving side. In France, it's the English's fault there's no more fish in the water. In England, it's the French's fault there's no more fish in the water. In truth, people are just destructive to the environnement.

[@Blisk11-j5w]

@@goofygrandlouis6296 french are also fishing in our waters taking our fish 🤷‍♂️

[@adamcarter5254]

"Sank your fleet" "Buy our drugs" Britain's sign game is brilliant, france needs to up theirs

[@thunderbird1921]

Funny thing is, Napoleon III actually joined the Second Opium War not entirely because of trade disputes with the Chinese, but also over religious freedom disputes. The agreement was that if a missionary or other visiting official broke rules, they would either be imprisoned or preferably be expelled and handed over to French diplomats for a trip home. Then, the Qing Dynasty broke this agreement when a French Catholic missionary preached in an unapproved area, and was brutally executed (he was whipped and beaten to death inside a cage and posthumously decapitated). It is unclear whether or not he knew it was an unapproved region. Understandably, the French church and government were FURIOUS and when China refused to answer whether more religious officials were going to be executed, the French Empire declared war and sided with Britain. When the war ended in 1860, the French demanded a clause in the peace treaty that would allow peaceful religious work throughout Chinese territory so that this would never happen again.

[@emperorrasheed4177]

How’s “Off With his head”?

[@tritium1998]

@@thunderbird1921 France definitely wanted colonies in the Far East, and it began by tagging along with Britain. It even tried to control Mexico but failed (one of the Mexican victories still being celebrated as Cinco de Mayo).

[@thunderbird1921]

@@tritium1998 I know what you mean, Indo-China and Polynesia were big colonization areas for the French. As a matter of fact, Napoleon III diverted soldiers who working on setting up a couple of those colonies to fight the war with China. I don't believe that the French Empire estsblished any colonies within China itself at that point though (1857-60). They and the British did lop off northern Manchuria and give it to the Russians though, as compensation for territorial changes and other fallout from their war a few years earlier (China still claims this land, and it's considered a potential tensions hotspot in the future between the Russians and Chinese).

[@CJ-fs1zr]

@@thunderbird1921 Lol Russia and China will never have territorial disagreements it’s not viable for either it’s only in peoples dreams China is sending fentanyl too america now and research chemicals too europe entirely unpunished lol return too sender

[@MartynMc]

It even came close to a Franco-British Union during WW2. Could you imagine the power a united Britian and France would have if they could settle their differences internally.

[@megapangolin1093]

How would that ever happen?!!

[@MartynMc]

@@megapangolin1093 it nearly did, their was a proposition put together during ww2 by Jean Monnet

[@megapangolin1093]

@@MartynMc I understand that Churchill and DeGaulle were aware of this as a potential to help with the war effort? Thanks for your comment.

[@kingeddiam2543]

​@@megapangolin1093 yeah and de gaulle and the rest of the french thought that it would either be economic domination by the British or political and military domination by the Germans, and they picked the latter. This channel has a video going over it

[@xornxenophon3652]

They would start a civil-war and split very soon!

[@ohuckabee]

The funny part is that if you go back far enough England and France had an enormous amount of crossover in terms of territory and dynastic bloodlines, so this is just an incredibly long sibling rivalry. Not sure I should be saying that though, because even if it might be true it doesn't stop the French or English from punching me in the face for it.

[@scbond]

The whole of Europe had enormous crossover.

[@blugaledoh2669]

@@scbond Before Norman invasion, France and England actually had good relation.

[@alexp6013]

I'm French and I'm quite sure that these idiots from the other side of the channel will agree with me on the fact that what you said was true and that we shouldn't punch you in the face. ... Now that we've established that, may you tell me where you live ? I want to have... *words* with you

[@scottabc72]

The 'crossover' as you call it was itself the source of centuries worth of conflict

[@ohuckabee]

@@scottabc72 "Bleed-over" I suppose would've been a better word. Or "cross-pollination."

[@napoleonibonaparte7198]

French and British relations are excellent plots for a drama series, and it continues so to this day.

[@charlesdegaulle6663]

The fish belongs to France

[@Firefly414]

@@charlesdegaulle6663 And The Immigrants too

[@mikizelexis6030]

the Hundred years War never ended. It just has switch from battlefield to politics with occasionnal stand by when someone try to be the third player

[@noidea5984]

@@Firefly414 No they want to join UK so we gladly help them to reach their dreams !

[@hungerquest7862]

@@Firefly414 lolz 😆 man

[@Maxime_K-G]

Always nice to see all of the friendship monuments at the Channel.

[@harveya1a952]

James Bisonette managed to get them to become allies

[@jamesbissonette8002]

Nah

[@RayFog1]

His name is a combination of Anglo and French, this must be true.

[@EddyA1337]

Wasn't that one of his patrons?

[@reidmoffat7055]

nah, it was Kelly Moneymaker

[@kb968]

... while remaining modest

[@GenralWAV]

"Welcome to Belgium, no sneak attacks" is absolutely hilarious.

[@100_Dollar_Bill]

🤣

[@winchesterchua3311]

Timestamp?

[@GenralWAV]

@@winchesterchua3311 2:26

[@razorhog8]

The buy more drugs and putting other nations down got me so good. That segment is insanely spot on. Basically the classic heartwarming story "Two rivals coming together for what matters...making other people's lives miserable."

[@theAEDan]

Britain and France: *conquer vast swathes of territory globally* Germany: *unifies* Britain and France: these guys are clearly a global threat

[@Aniaas1]

When you are the globe, any threat to you is a global threat

[@theAEDan]

@@Aniaas1 I like that

[@Yora21]

"At the present, the British Empire encompasses a quarter of the globe. While the German Empire consists of a sausage factory in Tanganyik."

[@vallecend6855]

@@Aniaas1 I was about to say that...

[@vallecend6855]

It's the whole established power vs rising power stuff. We can see it today with the US vs China, how established powers would seek to put down the rising powers with whatever means necessary (propaganda, alliances, military actions, etc) in order to protect their hegemony. When the world order made by the powers who have hegemony is challenged, then technically one could say that it is a "global threat".

[@sekeriyasharif6593]

Fun fact: during the Crimean war British officers mistakenly referred to France as the enemy instead of the Russians

[@kokojambo4944]

In what circumstances?

[@asifurrahman5014]

@@kokojambo4944 *EVERY CIRCUMSTANCES*

[@JarrodFrates]

"Mistakenly"

[@TheManFromWaco]

That sounds similar to a story from the Spanish-American War. One of the US Army officers was a former Confederate, and in the heat of battle he was known to revert to old habits and call the Spaniards “Yankees”. Edit: This story is attributed to Gen. Joseph “Fighting Joe” Wheeler

[@ThatManInASuit]

It wasn't British officers, but Lord Raglan, who was in overall command of British forces for a time during the Crimean war. Apparently at the time he was getting older and his mental state wasn't particularly good, and his suitability to command troops was often questioned. His referral to the Russian enemies as "the French" was believed to be due to his advanced age and the fact that he had fought the French in the Napoleonic wars some 40 or so years previously. Perhaps his memory was poor.

[@ThomasZadro]

Quite interesting. The first time I heard someone calling the relationship between France and the UK a "friendship". ;-)

[@FunkyAceFR]

*Britain and France in the 19th century* : "Let's fight to sell drugs in China, reduce Russian influence in Crimea and keep our immense power over other European countries because we're the most powerful nations" *Britain and France in 2021* : "that's my fish" "no that's my fish"

[@rl9217]

0:54 France: “I hate you so much.” Britain: “I hate you even more, I wanna declare war so bad but I can’t, I have to bully some other, lesser nations.” France: “Wait, you also like putting down other nations?” Britain: “….Um, yes?” France: “….Well what a lovely coincidence, this took a fun turn, I can tell we’re gonna have a grand old time here!”

[@MrRemicas]

"I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

[@thunderbird1921]

Honestly, the list of nations Britain and France have now smashed up together or along with others is rather lengthy (China, Russia, Germany, Ottoman Empire, Austria-Hungary, North Korea and Iraq to name a few).

[@jimtaylor294]

^ All those ""nations"" are in fact either empires or brutal dictatorships XD.

[@Arcaryon]

@@jimtaylor294 Tell that to one to the ex-colonies. And not just the ones that were so completely altered by settlement that they hardly resemble their original inhabitants.

[@Rowlph8888]

Come on dude, that's taking it too far. It might be interesting to joke on a superficiial level, but the damage. these 2 ccountries have done to the modern world is pretty shocking, when you look at virtually any high-profile, conflict zone and realise how the foundations were buiilt. The USA, pretty much took the blueprint, and continues the same policies and makes them more sophistiicated, to the the world's ongoinng detriment

[@ethribin4188]

What brings two greatest enemies together? A third greater enemy.

[@borkbork3513]

France: I hate Germany. Britain: Me too. France: … Britain: Did we just become best friends?

[@dw620]

Except for those "few exceptions" at the end when (Vichy) France became "friends" with Germany instead, fighting against Britain in Syria/Lebanon, etc.

[@In.Darkness]

"Forgiveness is divine, but never pay full price for late pizza" - Michelangelo Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

[@noidea5984]

@@dw620 Vichy army was really restrained, were not many and poorly effective, FFL was more important

[@graveperil2169]

the thing is we dont hate Germany just France

[@RayFog1]

@@graveperil2169 agreed

[@Pfalz536]

France and England is like those enemies at childhood but started relationships with eachother when growing up

[@chrisklitou7573]

UK still hate the French

[@OnlyGrafting]

@@chrisklitou7573 France still hates the British Its like a spell my man.

[@pecadodeorgullo5963]

@@OnlyGrafting we just love messing with each other due to our shared history.

[@val9584]

@Les Brouettes Hyperactives I admire the British the most when I see pictures of the streets of Liverpool or Manchester on January 1st

[@oof3597]

@@chrisklitou7573 Scots never hated the french, our neighbours below hated them

[@andrebrynkus2055]

I'd say it's pretty easy for them to just finally get over it when one is landlocked and the other is a group of islands. There are many countries that have been enemies for centuries but it's harder for them to stop when they all can't decide on borders.

[@mariodangelo9768]

France isn't landlocked lol

[@angelb.823]

Imagine playing Monopoly with your best friend as greatest rivals, before a third party joins in the room and starts being a pro at the game. Both of you forget you former differences and join forces to take out your new rival. This is my view of thinking towards the British-French rivalry/friendship.

[@terezajeneralova351]

This is my new favourite explanation of their relationship! Everyone knows that when you’re playing Monopoly and somebody is on a clear path to a win, it is time to team up and take them down.

[@FPSGamer48]

Even when I know the answers I’m still interested, great work as always! Few video ideas: - Did German colonization leave anything behind (are there still German speakers in Namibia? Or “German Samoa”? Or the Solomon Islands?) - Why does Brunei exist (I know the answer personally but would like to see you do a video on it) - Why does Bhutan exist (and how did it avoid being annexed by neighboring India and China) - The Ryukyu Islands prior to Japanese Annexation (I just feel they tend to be ignored as a separate entity and are only ever mentioned post-Japanese annexation) Edit: Also Timor-Leste, why do they exist? And why is Papua New Guinea divided?

[@mr_bridou6507]

Also why do Timor Leste exist?

[@StillRooneyStarcraft]

German colonization left behind a booming beer industry in China.

[@TheSwigstasticSwigtabuli]

Namibia has a decent german speaking population if i remember correctly.

[@Azivegu]

@@TheSwigstasticSwigtabuli Fun fact, there are still an alarming number of Nazi sympathizers in Namibia. The surprise on ones face when you walk into a home and see a picture of Hitler...

[@Sceptonic]

@@TheSwigstasticSwigtabuli Yep Namibia and to an extent Qingdao in China are the only colonies that have noticeable German influence.

[@themetalfox3725]

This is quite interesting from the point of view that as international relations became more globalised and their empires expanded, Britain and France became more closely allied with one another. Each country definitely had trouble with one another, especially in the colonial realm, yet mutual goals meant they didn’t become enemies during most of the modern period.

[@diverman1023]

They both wasted an astronomical amount of money and manpower trying to beat the other for nearly 1000 years, only for victoires and defeats to ping-pong back and forth. The British and French both had a lot of pride and ambition at heart, it led to respect and realizing that they can both work together to invade the entire world lol

[@febrian0079]

"How did Europe reacted to the Mongol Invasion" Would be a good question

[@HalalHistory]

They cried and shook till they nearly died

[@lordbucket3811]

Absolute chaos. Most of Europe was in panic mode

[@Robert-qg6ue]

The frenc allied whith them

[@sebastianferm4440]

They weren't thrilled

[@seneca983]

@@theshlauf "Tried to convert them Christianity a few times." A portion of the Mongols were (Nestorian) Christians, weren't they?

[@oldmech619]

As an American, I found I was always treated better after the French found out I was not British. I love your little disputes over the years.

[@jjmcrosbie]

That's because they assumed you were richer.

[@andyallan2909]

I don't think that's to do with 'British' more to do with english. Have been to France many times and found that the whole attitude towards me changes and becomes much more positive once they discover that I'm a Scot and not English. Of course the english, as a rule, consider english and British to be the same thing, which is why anything British is always described by them as 'Anglo.' (Anglo-French Concorde, etc).

[@RoganGunn]

@@andyallan2909 You're right Andy, it's just the English the French don't like! Old habits die hard... Though I would say that the tendency of the English to consider being British one and the same is an artefact of successive (Westminster) governments trying to find commonality between the nations (a good thing) whilst having an intellectual distaste for Englishness and English culture (not a good thing - the other nations have very strong cultures and this is great, England should be entitled to one too. It leads to fantastic banter.) People nowadays are seeing the differences between the nations, and this is leading to a realisation that English and British are not actually synonymous. British is what we have in common, that unites our four cultures, whereas each nation has it's own languages, attitudes, quirks and traditions - after all, the Welsh don't wear kilts, and you wouldn't find a Yorkshireman dancing a cèilidh! Vive la difference, I say. And personally, I would only use the term 'Anglo' as shorthand for Anglophone, or English-speaking. This would refer to all ex-British Empire countries from the four nations to places like Canada, Australia, even the US and former territories like the Bahamas or Fiji that speak English as the main language, and use a Common Law legal system. I'd never call a Scot an Anglo though. I like my nose the way it is, thanks. 😜

[@bobing1752]

That's because we know American tourists are richer than British ones. Seems logical: a trip to France from England costs almost nothing.

[@oldmech619]

@@bobing1752 Back many years, I had an apartment in Toulouse with my French girlfriend. We use to ski often in the Pyrenees were I found out it is much better to be Not British. No rich Americans here.

[@Gabryal77]

"We British make a habit of not hating our enemies. It saves us from the necessity of liking our friends"

[@charlesdegaulle6663]

France and Great Britain is like the main character and the season 1 antagonist working together to fight a bigger enemy.

[@Askorti]

And that season 1 antagonist, who seemed to be so powerful got severely nerfed when an even bigger bad guy showed up next season.

[@brandonlyon730]

@@Askorti And that other guy turns out to be his own son.

[@ShireTommy_1916_Somme-Mametz]

Britain fought the wrong enemy twice

[@connorgolden4]

This is the question I already knew but I’m gonna enjoy seeing it answered.

[@haricapra6886]

"Which raises the question, why?" - My favorite part of every History Matters video!

[@See_nn]

The man has trained his whole life for that phrase

[@st0rts11D4]

As an amateur historian, i always got the impression that it would be impossible for either side to ever beat the other AND hold onto the territory. It really is in both countries best interest to stop killing eachother

[@jameslawrie3807]

This is The Power Projection Paradox. Countries that are naturally power projectors, that is countries that due to some geographic situation can't be attacked on their home soil, usually do well to this limited vulnerability. It's very hard for an army to get across an ocean and do strategic damage after all, especially because if you're not a power projector your army is usually not set up to act this way. However once a power projector gains ground it loses this invulnerability and then you often see wars bog down because power projectors often aren't well suit to hold ground. This was a key factor in the see-saw nature of the Caroline period of The Hundred Years War. While there's ways around it your enemy is watching what you're doing and trying to exploit the problem, and the big problem with wars is that everyone's trying to win.

[@BillHel]

As baguette people, I deeply regret this and that sinking entire islands are a difficult thing to achieve

[@cattlebruiser3978]

@@BillHel As a tea drinker I can report that we are busy sinking it ourselves. You need to up your game.

[@CrèmeTropBrûlée]

Pretty sure if Napoleon managed to land in british isles he would have instant won against the british army. And the Normans are basically french people who took over england for themselves.

[@st0rts11D4]

@@CrèmeTropBrûlée Napoleon had the best chance I'll give you that. but I think it would have turned out like the mongols or the Macedonians. As soon as the strong man dies, the whole things falls apart

[@r.a.acosta6528]

This channel is brilliantly hilarious and informative. 0:53 - 0:57 had me laughing, such a perfect set up and visualization of a joke.

[@Steeyuv]

It's wonderful isn't it! And I can't believe I managed to catch one within an hour of it going live!!!!

[@bastyaan]

I would like to point out that there was one moment in history where France and Britain were allies. In 1672 they allied to attack the Dutch Republic. In fact they even allied with some German states. This is called "Het Rampjaar" or the Disaster Year in the Netherland. This is to my knowledge the only time the French, British and Germans allied until after WW2. Imagine how much they feared/hated the Dutch that these countries would join forces. Anyway, after that a dutch guy became king of England and this short lived alliance was over.

[@alanparker9608]

as a british/french i loved this video❤️🇬🇧🇫🇷

[@NIDELLANEUM]

how does it feel like, being both British and French?

[@psychokinrazalon]

@@NIDELLANEUM Probably a lot of confused self-loathing.

[@paulcarpenter885]

@@psychokinrazalon English Irish here can confirm

[@glassychap1141]

You must be a very conflicted man, not knowing who to hate or make fun of between Britain and France must be hard

[@thomasb.5643]

@@NIDELLANEUM He must be like Abradolf Lincler : "A suffering abomination. Tortured by the duality of it’s being."

[@kilotun8316]

There's a wonderful bit on the Treaty of Westphalia which sums this up quite nicely actually. Sweden (trying to justify participation in 30 yrs war): We only went to war to protect the Protestant princes! France : Really? Are you sure you didn't just fancy kicking some German arse? England: That's rather what appealed to us too!

[@Dayvit78]

A man of culture, I see!

[@kenjinpiniteu]

"Gentlemen, please! Let's not unravel the tapestry of this treaty; ere, the shuttle has crossed the loom!" "Eh.." "..." "What?" "Let's not cock it up now, we're so close!"

[@syedmohammadaanasfarukh890]

Excuse me ambassador

[@k2ei54]

Your channel is great. It gives so much knowledge in such a short time and it is also very funny.

[@Geographyandhistory2024]

The reasons france and the uk became from enemies to allies 1.They liked bullying other countries 2.Germany is scary Wilhelm the 2nd edition 3.Germany is scary Adolf edition

[@paranoidrodent]

Cold War: The Soviets are scary. Post-Cold War: Love to bicker but love the profits from mutual trade even more.

[@Neion8]

@@paranoidrodent 'Why exploit other nations when we can exploit ourselves *more!?!'*

[@ShireTommy_1916_Somme-Mametz]

I wish Britain sided with the Kaiser 1914

[@TheMacdeluxe]

@@ShireTommy_1916_Somme-Mametz Lack of knowledge. typical Brit's

[@ShireTommy_1916_Somme-Mametz]

@@TheMacdeluxe or that's how I feel. I know everything about ww1 due to the fact I always study it. Britain should have sided with the Germans

[@OleOlson]

Simple answer: Germany. England's primary foreign policy objective since the Norman invasion has been to keep Europe divided. They always try to build alliances to oppose that power, whoever it may be. It's been Russia since WWII, and Germany before that, but before that was France and others. They also use naval dominance to enforce this.

[@starrynight1657]

I think quite a few countries in Europe didn't want to see France and then Germany or Russia taking over the whole continent. Also it's UK.

[@BasicLib]

@@starrynight1657 Exactly. Pretty much every anti-European consolidation war in Europe's history has been backed by most of Europe's nations: The war of Spanish succession, 7 years war, Napoleonic/Coalition wars, the Russian Wars, and the German wars i.e WW1 and WW2, Even the cold war this idea that somehow the UK is maliciously scheming to divide a bitterly divided continent is complete lunacy. Indeed the Brits jump to support EVERY coalition because it is in their interests, but they are by no means the reason said coalition forms.

[@jimtaylor294]

"It's not the UK being mean for the hell of it: It's just Britain being Britain." - TIK Keeping that landmass to our south devided is what we do :D .

[@BasicLib]

@@jimtaylor294 Yh but that’s the thing It was less “keeping them decided” and more “I’d rather back a coalition than an empire”. It wasn’t masterminding anything but al and sided with any anti hegemonic coalition that formed… Except the most recent one.

[@jameslawrie3807]

England has been actively hostile to Russia since 1740, it's a defining feature of English foreign policy history. If you own a big navy you tend to dislike massive land powers because you fight different sorts of wars.

[@GagandeepSingh-me4qt]

This guy literally answers the questions that everyone has but no one asks. Brilliant!

[@simplesimon8255]

In other words, teaching

[@Biditchoun]

It's to note that France and England had an alliance at the end of the XVIth and beginning of the XVIIth centuries, mainly against Spain. England was basically all alone against the pope, but since Spain had control of it France banded with England against them (although the French were majoritarely catholic, thus resulting in civil wars), as Spain was trying to get control of Europe. Edit: Spelling and clarification

[@florians9949]

When you went from mortal enemies to having a friendly rivalry.

[@florians9949]

@@Anonymous-ld7je I don’t know enougth of Dragon Ball to answer that.

[@jimtaylor294]

@@Anonymous-ld7je The other way around yes XD.

[@infernalstan886]

Love how KZbin's now starting videos part way through. On this one it started at 2:42 for me...

[@luciusvorenus3568]

Short Answer: Russia Long Answer: Germany

[@KnightofAges]

Modern answer: The EU. And France now dates Germany, so Britain is left to drift.

[@melodi_bunniez]

Even longer answer : *America*

[@MB-em9ek]

@@KnightofAges Plot twist in Europe Season 63 episode 5 ! France : Je t'aimeee Germanyyy. Germany : Ich auch nicht !

[@ransofaraway]

Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer, and the French really really close.

[@minetieplays2092]

Britain and France are like the two arch-nemeses who end up joining sides about halfway through the show to convey how big the threats they’re facing are

[@ZeroS115]

I love how the term: “bullying” was used here ☺️

[@jimtaylor294]

Meh. Bigger / Better Army Diplomacy has always been how being the global hegemon tis done.

[@DeNihility]

*Present-Day Britain and France looking back at their history* Britain: We've had so many wars with each other in the past, i've almost lost count. France: So we're friends now, right? Britain: France: We *are* friends now, right..?

[@jpc7118]

Britain (whistling) : yes (but in mind and in the acts : No) lol

[@renaudrodier6059]

yep, that pretty much sums it up.

[@ARGONUAT]

I’m willing to admit it, those little signs throughout the videos are hilarious.

[@jascrandom9855]

Best Enemies-to-lovers story ever.

[@melodi_bunniez]

I CAN'T, I'M LITERALLY WHEEZING- 😭🤚 LITERALLY ROMEO AND JULIET AS COUNTRIES

[@northchurch753]

Britain🇬🇧: Never thought I'd die fighting side by side with a Frenchman🇨🇵

[@bullet5097]

France🇲🇫: What about side by side with a friend?

[@charlesdegaulle6663]

The magic of Germany bringing centuries-old Rivals together

[@RayFog1]

@@bullet5097 aye

[@cornwallforever5305]

I am British. I'd die alongside my Breton brother's. Being full blooded Celt and tribal I'll defend my women and brothers

[@cornwallforever5305]

@Les Brouettes Hyperactives some?Do you know the history behind Brittany? Nah you don't. But I do. Cornwall + Brittany is Celtic

[@imenbourezgui8281]

Thank you You've made very clear for us as students ❤

[@davidpaterson2309]

Speaking as a Scot who has spent much of his life living in England and some of it in France - they are really very like one another in their unshakable belief that their particular version of Western European civilisation is God’s gift to humanity, for reasons that appear to be very different but really aren’t. England and France are the awkward twins of Europe - it’s impossible for them to live without one another and they both hate that idea. France and Germany may have a worse recent history, but they have at least agreed (sometimes through gritted teeth) that they have to put it behind them. England and France still can’t resist the temptation to replay their competing imperial glories. It can be tiresome for spectators and even worse if history drags you into it.

[@YourGayOverlord]

History always manages to drag in Scotland to the Anglo-French rivalry. The side they're on changes, but they're always there 😂

[@renaudrodier6059]

As Frenchman, I can assure you this awkward twin relationship as you qualify it can be tiring for the participants as well! Anyway, sorry for bringing the Scots into our mess!

[@ShireTommy_1916_Somme-Mametz]

We are not similar. England is Germanic, france is latin

[@renaudrodier6059]

@@ShireTommy_1916_Somme-Mametz Both modern England and France were shaped by a series of migrations, invasions and cultural influences (Celtic, Roman, Germanic, Viking etc.). So we are similar. The English word 'similar' indeed derives from the Latin word 'similis'. The first kings of France were germans (Franks). I come from a region in France called Brittany that was settled by Britons. I might have more 'original' British DNA than you. Oversimplifications divide us, when history makes us all first cousins.

[@ShireTommy_1916_Somme-Mametz]

@@renaudrodier6059 my mam is Welsh, so I agree to sharing dna, but England culture is not the same as France. Germany and Norway is closer to England in that case

[@monsieur1936]

So Britain and France were two bullies of the classroom who absolutely despised each other but they realised that Nerds are teaming up so they also team up.

[@OweEyeSea]

Love the humor in these. Had to smile at the "Friends with France Club" with the tumbleweed blowing through.

[@kellymoneymaker3922]

So glad my lunch break lined up with new video drop! 🤗

[@RayFog1]

Nice to see you Kelly

[@kellymoneymaker3922]

@@RayFog1 😘

[@kellymoneymaker3922]

@@RayFog1 Happy Holidays!

[@jamesbissonette8002]

Always exciting when a new video comes out!

[@thespiritphoenix3798]

America:Mom,Dad stop fighting! France and Britain:You know nothing Child!

[@Yabuturtle]

It is odd that sometimes two countries with similar cultures and faiths would be mortal enemies. Like with England and France, Germany and Russia, Japan and China, ect.

[@threenumbnuts]

Germany and Russia, similar cultures and faiths? *eyebrow raise*

[@SivaramVelauthapillai]

Unfortunately that's the nature of humans. People just end up fighting people nearest to them. Just look at middle East, South Asia (India vs Pakistan), Africa, etc.

[@Yabuturtle]

@@threenumbnuts There a little more similar than you think. Have you seen the stuff they have in common?

[@zacharytracy3797]

You gotta love 2:55 when he transitions to 4 different characters and their body shape and eyes are exactly the same.

[@Kris-ds6wj]

When they met Germany and were like "Remember when I thought you were scary? Now THAT country is scary. I don't want to die plz team up with me ❤"

[@Yora21]

And eventually it was "Hey, Germany, don't you hate those British too?"

[@l.j.turner185]

And thank goodness we did, I don’t know what I’d do without baguettes 🥖 ❤️

[@kylemaljevac5482]

France and Britain realising what they have in common is both bullying other nations is so accurate I laughed so hard at 0:57

[@starrynight1657]

I thought that described America better in modern times.

[@thegamerator10]

I seem to have missed that part in history class where Britain literally moved itself (and Ireland) away from France to keep distant.

[@itsme-sn5gi]

Simpler to call it the UK than Britain And Ireland

[@saundyuk]

Fun fact - tectonics are separating us a fraction of an inch every year. Thank fuck.

[@RoganGunn]

@@itsme-sn5gi Tell that to the Irish, they'll not be happy, considering they fought wars to not be in the UK!

[@itsme-sn5gi]

@@RoganGunn what, really?

[@GrooveSpaceArk]

@@itsme-sn5gi How do you think the Republic of Ireland came to exist?

[@dextercochran4916]

Churchill: "Sank your fleet." De Gaulle: "😠"

[@Jordan_Warrington]

This can also be seen in current tension. The French are seeking it's power through control / influence of the EU and the UK through the commonwealth (CANZUK / CPTPP) and America.

[@jpc7118]

With the difference that America (you meant USA I guessed) is considering UK (at best) as her doggy dog... And France is no longer leading EU on the same level as Germany. Both France and Britain lsot (alot) of their "superbe" ( french expression ;) )

[@raymondpaller6475]

@@jpc7118 France does still try to lead the EU because they think their culture is so important to the world; superior German economic power translates only fractionally as EU leadership power because the Nazi era perma-reduces any German claim to moral righteousness, which is needed to be a clear leader; consider: would anybody want or support German generals with a mostly German staff leading a combined EU military campaign?; Germany must punch below its weight in EU diplomatic & military leadership, and the French opportunistically step into that EU vacuum. If you want proof of this in another area, go check out how Total Petroleum of France steps into vacuums created when Exxon, Chevron, BP et al must ditch & leave operations in a country that the U.S. or U.K. governments (for whatever reasons) impose economic sanctions on, but the French gov't doesn't. In walks Total.

[@jpc7118]

@@raymondpaller6475 I disagree. It's a terrific mistake of perception. Everyone thinks that France is still at the manoieuvre to lead. There's nothing wronger than that. Clearly, in EU, Germany have ALL the power. They have abandonned the dream of an Hegemony at the world stage, that's true. But a little bit of flattery to some french leaders and it won the game for Germany. In EU, Berlin decides alone and dictate the Law to EU. They let French exhausting themselves at world stage diplomacy and military affairs, but in EU Diplomacy and military things has no word to say;, EU it's all about economy. When there's a risk that french are to abandon a little their dream of light of the world to come back to european internal affairs, Germany drive them back to the world stage as if france had any impact in world affairs. The Brexit is clearly the best thing which has happened to Germany. The 2 other heavy weights (France and Italy) are not able to do anything, especially since the french and italian leaders are both enough stupid and naive... France and Italy have far more in common then they should cooperate to counter German hegemony, but alas, France is working at world stage above her rank and is exhausted, and Italy is so much divided and unstable with a too big debt that she has no voice in Europe. Plus Italian and french gov have not found better things than opposing each other every time.

[@raymondpaller6475]

@@jpc7118 Okay; I'll buy that. Though I'll still bet that any EU military operation is headed by a Frenchie. Lol.

[@jpc7118]

@@raymondpaller6475 I agree about that one... Also, France being the alone nuke power, I bet that if things were going to be too tough with Russians, many europeans would change their mind... most german followers would prefer to be backed by the French than the colossal german economy with no ability to respond to any russian nuke threat ;)

[@meRickard]

Love your subtle reference to the charge of the light brigade

[@semperfidelis9083]

Britain: I am not really into European affairs Germany: *Builds boats* Britain: Oi you messin mate

[@jasonglebe3235]

The Bedouin have a saying, "I fight my brother until my cousin shows up." I think that saying sums up Britain and France's history

[@ShireTommy_1916_Somme-Mametz]

No

[@alexanderg1935]

Yeah that's very accurate.

[@ConnorKD1876]

No mention of the auld alliance... 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤️🇲🇫

[@dameanebulia]

Such a shame yes, the Scottish remains in our hearts forever 🇫🇷❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Asqueebus]

2:07 moving the UK away from Europe like that would make most brits pretty happy

[@TheHacknor]

Maybe not towards the artic circle though

[@NIDELLANEUM]

This is the sequel to Brexit

[@varana]

"Most" being about half. ;D

[@Asqueebus]

@@varana oooo someone's gonna get laid in college

[@brandonlyon730]

@@varana less then half, 48% vs 52% of the referendum results. Technically still majority.

[@lucinae8512]

Even long term enemies can turn into eternal friends when you have the same enemy.

[@bakersmileyface]

Friends? We're allies, not friends.

[@melodi_bunniez]

"Eternal" friends?! ETERNAL FRIENDS?! BRITAIN AND FRANCE ARE ETERNAL FRIENDS BAHAHAHAHHAHAAHAHAHAHHAHHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAAAHHAHAAAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHHAAHAAAHHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAAHHAHAHAHAAHAHA

[@alparslankorkmaz2964]

Nicely explained.

[@sabrexi7228]

In my rapidly melting brain during high school I came up with the idea that England and France had an enemies to lovers arc

[@rookieboi3601]

I could just imagine a conference with France and the UK today: France: “Hey why are we friends again??” UK: “Russia”

[@isaiahrogge]

I love your vids. I’ve watched all of them multiple times. You really should start a podcast we would get more content and you could focus less on animation and more on research. Either way, keep up the good work!

[@wouttc]

Could you list your sources for the history of Anglo-French relations? I’m interested in reading/watching more!

[@Grort]

It'd be a bit difficult to find it in one source, but for the foundational parts, the Norman Conquest is a good start, since it's when the two became immediately into a dispute about Normandy post-Conquest, as now England had territory in France, culminating in the Hundred Years War when England claimed the French throne, lost the war, but the English/British monarch kept claiming/styling themselves as the King of France until either 1800/1802 because they held a gruuuuudge.

[@Rowlph8888]

@@Grort I would say start with the 1st Viking invasions, to both countries, just before they were starting to emerge with individual identities. Then you will get an understanding of how these 2 nations internal struggles, influenced by the Scandinavians, managed to bring about collective identity, before pretty much any other nations in the modern world. Then you will have a proper context to see how struggles between them tweaked their identities even further and led to the most influential and bitter rivalry in the history of human civilisation. The Scandinavian influence is much more profound than people give it credit for ..Both countries were growing individual identity before the Vikings raids disrupted everything, and these marauders were pretty much incredibly successful, on every occasion, until the English states, merged somewhat under alfred the great and French states, decided if you cannot beat them, join them and took advantage of Rollo's Viking military and leadership prowess, which led to the Normans, effectively growing into third new culture that was involved. It is no coincidence, that the Normans were such a confident, savage and technically brilliant military culture, it's because of that Viking outlook.

[@NIDELLANEUM]

Since you mentioned the Congress of Vienna, some videos about it and its consequences would be nice, similar to your Trianon video for instance

[@TheDCGuitar13]

Seems like their relationship is pretty much “if anyones gonna destroy you, it’s me “

[@peterferraiolo4071]

I like the ascending Germany 🇩🇪 Meme. That was hilarious 😆 😝

[@Sceptonic]

2:31

[@matthewlee8667]

"Now that we've fought two wars together, we'll be nice to each other and stop undermining one another now, right?" "Well yes, but actually no"

[@Neion8]

"Well yes, but also let me just arm the missiles I sold to your enemies real quick!"