Linschoten
Ad Honoris
- Aug 2010
- 16,256
- Welsh Marches
I've always thought that a country's most revered military victory says a lot about who they fear most.
For the English, it's Agincourt and Waterloo. For the French its Austerlitz.
For the English, it's Agincourt and Waterloo. For the French its Austerlitz.
According to a little book I read recently the French see Waterloo as a victory on the basis that Napoleon has a far greater legacy than Wellington does.
Linschoten
Ad Honoris
- Aug 2010
- 16,256
- Welsh Marches
On those grounds he would have to be regarded as invincible, because he must have left a greater legacy than anyone whom he ever faced in battle.
Well... 100 years war being a french decisive victory and Jeanne D'arc being very popular here, I don't think most of the french, who don't know what Agincourt is (here it is name Azincourt, and only people fond of history know that battle) would be annoyed.
Waterloo is far more known, and would have been a better choice I guess (if the goal was primary to annoy your closest ally...)
Then you'll be pleased to know that when Eurostar first started, it did come in to Waterloo. It only got moved to St Pancras after they'd finished the much-needed revamp of a station so grotty that it made even the old Kings' Cross look like an earthly paradise.
Naomasa298
Forum Staff
- Apr 2010
- 35,493
- T'Republic of Yorkshire