French Colonial Empire

The French Colonial Empire was a global system of territories controlled by France from the 17th to the mid-20th century. At its height, it included regions in North America, the Caribbean, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. France established colonies for trade, resource extraction, and strategic influence, often displacing local populations and cultures. The empire significantly shaped global politics, economics, and cultures, leaving lasting legacies in the countries that were once part of it. Following World War II, many colonies gained independence, leading to the gradual decline of French colonial power.