Have an extensive history of military might, from rampaging barbarian hordes, to a continent-conquering emperor, to a foreign legion famed as being one of the most badass fighting forces in the world, and nobody bats an eye. But get embarrassingly outflanked one time because André Maginot fucked up, and you never hear the end of it!
Maginot had the right idea, but the politicians (in an attempt to appease BELGIUM! That’s not even a real place!) hamstrung it, Gamelin failed to utilize it sensibly, and Petain betrayed the Republic.
But yes, it is curious that the French get saddled with that reputation.
Have an extensive history of military might, from rampaging barbarian hordes, to a continent-conquering emperor, to a foreign legion famed as being one of the most badass fighting forces in the world, and nobody bats an eye. But get embarrassingly outflanked one time because André Maginot fucked up, and you never hear the end of it!
Maginot had the right idea, but the politicians (in an attempt to appease BELGIUM! That’s not even a real place!) hamstrung it, Gamelin failed to utilize it sensibly, and Petain betrayed the Republic.
But yes, it is curious that the French get saddled with that reputation.