Maps of France, showing Expansion


  1. Map of northern France, showing acquisition of territory along its northern borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany.

  2. Map of France showing dates of 'acquisition' of various territories. French term for this is usually 'accession', the idea being that these territories 'accede' or 'join' France willingly, without strife or indecision.

  3. Map in color of French expansion, from 1601 onward. This map, from the Encyclopedia Britannica, refers to this as acquisition, not 'accession.' This contrasts with the French notion, noted above; the Brits see France's acquisition of territory as a 'land grab', a 'taking.'