A good way to learn about world history is to glance through a series of foreign leaders’ portraits and imagine what kinds of things might have happened under their rule. Here, we’ll help!
Afterwards, if you want even more help learning about France, check out part one of this two-part series. There; now it’s like you earned two degrees in French history!
Patrice de MacMahon, 1873-1879
President MacMahon is depicted with one foot on a railroad track to symbolize his victory at the Battle of Magenta over a train.
Jean Casimir-Perier, 1894-1895
“My head feels fine. Why does everyone keep asking if my head feels okay?”
Felix Faure, 1895-1899
At the turn of the 19th century, heads of state throughout Europe feared assassination by anarchists. That’s why it was probably a relief to Faure when he died peacefully, at his office, while receiving something from his mistress that we can’t say on a family-friendly website.
Paul Deschanel, 1920
Are you feeling an urge to smooth out Paul Deschanel’s moustache? That’s exactly what he wants you to do. A tangled moustache is the oldest trick in the book.
Charles de Gaulle, 1959-1969
Oooh, who is this tall drink of ears?
Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, 1974-1981
Call your cable provider and tell them you want the Valéry Giscard d’Estaing channel! Then call us and tell us how the rest of that conversation played out.
François Mitterrand, 1981-1995
In France, this is how you dress if you’re the founder of the Socialist Party.
Emmanuel Macron, 2017-present
Macron is getting a little hot under the collar. Stick around and maybe he’ll take off his shirt! Or maybe you’ll take off your shirt. Or maybe you’ll discover that you weren’t wearing a shirt to begin with.