France

The Germanic Franks formed the Kingdom of Francia, which became the heartland of the Carolingian Empire. The Treaty of Verdun of 843 partitioned the empire, with West Francia becoming the Kingdom of France in 987. In the High Middle Ages, France was a powerful but highly decentralized feudal kingdom. Philip II successfully strengthened royal power and defeated his rivals to double the size of the crown lands; by the end of his reign, France had emerged as the most powerful state in Europe. From the mid-14th to the mid-15th century, France was plunged into a series of dynastic conflicts involving England, collectively known as the Hundred Years' War, and a distinct French identity emerged as a result. The French Renaissance saw art and culture flourish, conflict with the House of Habsburg, and the establishment of a global colonial empire, which by the 20th century would become the second-largest in the world. The second half of the 16th century was dominated by religious civil wars between Catholics and Huguenots that severely weakened the country. France again emerged as Europe's dominant power in the 17th century under Louis XIV following the Thirty Years' War. Inadequate economic policies, inequitable taxes and frequent wars (notably a defeat in the Seven Years' War and costly involvement in the American War of Independence), left the kingdom in a precarious economic situation by the end of the 18th century. This precipitated the French Revolution of 1789, which overthrew the French monarchy, and established a republic.

Ingame Description
After the loss of the Seven Years’ War, the French economy has been struggling. With the loss of control in North America, France is back in Europe, eager to get revenge on Great Britain. But the French people are beginning to ask the question: “Is the king truly worthy?” The people of France are growing further away from the monarchy, and it is starting to look like revolution is approaching in its doorstep. Will you be able to prevent the French Revolution, or will you lead the revolution and become a shining beacon of democracy in Europe? The future of France is in your hands.

Trivia

 * France is the most developed nation during the game's development phase, with having regions named with pictures, an anthem, and more.


 * This page was the 1st country page made, and 2nd overall made only being beaten by Shoebill (bird)