French Navy

The French Navy, officially the Marine nationale ("National Navy") is the maritime arm of the French Military. Although the history of the Frech Navy goes back to the Middle Ages, its history can be said to effectively begin with Richelieu under Louis XIII. Its motto is Honneur, Patrie, Valeur, Discipline ("Honour, Fatherland, Valour, Discipline") and these words are found on the deck of every ship in the fleet.

French Navy in Southern Victory
The French Navy along with the Royal Navy helped bring about an end to the War of Secession by threatening to help brake the US blockade of the Confederacy.

During the Second Mexican war, the French Navy bombarded Los Angeles after sailing their from Mexico.

During the Great War, the French Navy mainly fought it's German counter part, but still had occasional clashes with US commerce raiders in the Atlantic.

After the war, the French Navy was reduced in strength. Many sailors in the Navy regretted their war with the US, wishing only to focus on the Germans. With the rise to power of monarchist party Action Francaise, the French Navy underwent rearmament and when the Second Great war erupted, joined the Royal Navy in the fight against Germany.

Although the Navy primarily fought the German's, they sent ships to help the British fight the US, and participated in the Battle of the North Atlantic.

By the War's end, the fate and condition of the French Navy was unknown.