English Learning for Curious Minds
#402 | The French Foreign Legion
Sep 14, 2023
Learn about the tough and fascinating French Foreign Legion with its diverse recruits and long history of conflicts. Discover the origins, recruitment process, and intense training that Legionnaires undergo. Explore the sacrifices, rewards, and unique composition of this renowned fighting force.
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Quick takeaways
- The French Foreign Legion attracts diverse recruits from around the world due to its reputation as the toughest fighting force and the promise of adventure.
- Joining the French Foreign Legion is a challenging process open to individuals of any nationality, offering a fresh start and the possibility of French citizenship.
Deep dives
Origins of the French Foreign Legion
The French Foreign Legion was established in 1831 by King Louis Philippe I to address the issue of unemployed foreign soldiers in France. It started as a means to utilize these soldiers in French colonial interests, particularly during the war in Algeria. The Legion was open to anyone, regardless of their past or nationality, attracting recruits from various countries. This lack of national allegiance presented a unique situation for the Legionnaires, who fought for a country that was not their own.
