ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

History of the Armée de l'Air (colonial presence 1939–1962)

Okay kiddo, let me explain to you about the history of the armée de l'air (colonial presence 1939-1962) in a way that's easy to understand.

First, let's define what the armée de l'air is. It's the French Air Force, which is responsible for protecting France's airspace and carrying out military operations in the air.

Now, let's talk about colonialism. This is when a more powerful country takes over another country or territory and uses its resources and people for their own benefit. France had many colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, and they used their colonies to supply soldiers for their military and to gain wealth and power.

During World War II, France was invaded by Germany and the armée de l'air played a big role in the defense of France. However, many French colonies also had air forces, which were used to support the French war effort. For example, Moroccan pilots flew for the French Air Force and Algerian soldiers were sent to fight in Europe.

After the war, France tried to maintain its colonies, but there was a growing independence movement in many of these countries. The armée de l'air continued to operate in the colonies during this time, both to protect French interests and to suppress independence movements.

However, as colonialism became less popular around the world, France eventually gave up control of its colonies. This process started in the 1950s and by the early 1960s, most French colonies had gained their independence. The armée de l'air also had to adjust to this new reality, as they no longer had the same presence in these countries that they once had.

In summary, the armée de l'air (colonial presence 1939-1962) was a period in French history when the air force played a big role in supporting colonialism and maintaining French dominance in other countries. However, this changed over time as colonization became less popular and France gave up control of its colonies.