ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Senegalese Tirailleurs

Okay kiddo, Senegalese tirailleurs were soldiers from Senegal, a country in Africa, who fought in wars for France a long time ago.

Now, soldiers are people who go to war to fight for their country. France, which is a country in Europe, needed soldiers to fight in a big war called World War I. At the time, Senegal was a French colony, meaning it was controlled by France, just like how your mommy and daddy take care of you.

France asked the people in Senegal if they wanted to be soldiers and fight in the war. Many young men said yes because they wanted to help France and protect their families. These Senegalese soldiers were called tirailleurs, which is French for a type of light infantry.

The tirailleurs traveled from Senegal to France and fought in World War I and later, in another big war called World War II. They were very brave and fought alongside French soldiers to help win the wars.

After the wars, France gave some of the Senegalese tirailleurs medals and honors for their bravery in battle. However, they also faced discrimination and racism in France because of their African heritage.

Overall, the Senegalese tirailleurs were very important soldiers who fought for France and showed bravery and courage in war.