History of Normandie

Gallic tribes and Vikings played a large part in the history of Normandie; the Belgian Celts (also known as Gauls) invaded in waves during the 4th and 3rd centuries, BC (the original inhabitants of Normandie were the Ligures and Iberiens). They united under Vercingtorix to attempt to repel the Roman forces in 57 BC; however, they, like so many others, failed. They were Romanized via the same method that the Romans often used - a policy of urbanization and Roman roads. However, in the 3rd century AD, Normandie was bombarded by barbarian attacks. It was during this time that Christianity spread in Normandie. Several monasteries were built, and Saint Mellonius was supposedly the Bishop of Rouen for part of this period. Even before the fall of the Roman empire, "barbaric" tribes had moved into Normandie (mainly through conquest). Vikings first came into play in 820, and returned 20 years later. By 861, Rouen had been sacked 6 times. Much of Normandy's culture comes from the Scandinavians; Many regions, districts and places have names with roots in Scandinavian. Caudebec and Briquebec are good examples, "bec" meaning river. By joining the Scandinavians and the native tribes, one of the mightiest states of the time arose. The Scandivanians famed sea-faring abilities would allow the Normans to successfully attack England.

During Hundred Years War, the province was invaded by the English, since the landing of Henry the 5th (in 1415) until the victory of the french king in Formigny (in 1450). Normandy was very connected to England due to its proximity to the Isle.


Norman the Conqueror was Duke of Normandy; however, his invasion drew forces from all of France. Both he and Harald Hardraada lade claim to the throne of England, and both launched invasions. England was, at this time, ruled by King Harold who was the direct heir to Edward the Confessor. Harald's invasion was stopped at great cost to the English; Harald died in the conflict.

Just a few days after Harold's victory over Harald, William launched his invasion over the English channel. Harold briefly stopped at London to gather more troops, and then went on to the infamous Battle of Hastings. 5,000 Anglo-Saxons and 3,000 Normans died during the battle as well as King Harald.

LIST OF SOURCES:

All sources are online.

Wikipedia (Normandy, History of Normandy, D-Day, Norman Conquest of England)
Real HISTORY OF NORMANDY
Encyclopædia Britannica's Guide to Normandy 1944
Normandy: A Brief History - France.com
Province of Normandy, France (www.discoverfrance.net/France/Provinces/Normandy.shtml)
www.macraesbluebook.com/search/company.cfm?company=461322
Normandy Industries, INC.

D-Day

The Normandy landing were both heroic and tragic, even when compared to the other momentous events in WWII. Total Allied casualties were 10,000; total Axis casualties numbered between 4,000 and 9,000. The operation was the largest amphibious invasion ever conducted in a single day. Over 130,000 troops landed on 6 June 1944. More than 195 thousand navy personnel were involved.

Dwight D. Eisenhower was the supreme commander on the Allied side; Adolf Hitler, of course, was supreme commander of the Axis side (although only Germany was involved in the fight). Eisenhower was helped by nearly legendary British commander Montgomery, as well as Montgomery's less legendary fellow Brits Leigh-Mallory, Tedder, Dempsey and Ramsay. Eisenhower had one fellow American General, whose name was Omar Bradley. Besides Hitler, Rundstedt, Dollmann, and the infamous Rommell commanded the German Forces.

The days that could have been used for the invasion were few, considering the criteria they had to meet. A full moon was needed in order to see landmarks and so aircraft pilots could land, and spring tide was needed in insure that there would be a maximum depth of water so that some of the obstacles that the Germans had placed in the water would be rendered useless. The weather for the days before D-Day had been unsuitable, and the invasion was nearly postponed for a month (In fact, D-Day had been planned to occur during May of 1943, but difficulties in assembling landing craft had pushed it back a month to June 5th). However,Eisenhower's leading meteorologist said that on the 6th the weather could be expected to improve slightly. The Allies acted on his advice, and it was very fortunate they did so. Due to the inclement weather, many important German Generals believed that no invasion would be possible and therefore left their posts. Indeed, General Rommel himself was taking a few days leave to be with his family and friends when the invasion began.




Of course, D-Day was not won simply because of luck. Luck is, they say, when preparation meets opportunity, and the Allies had prepared extensively. Operation Fortitude was an extremely successful espionage attempt, which convinced the Germans Pas de Calais would be the target rather than Normandy. This was the first successful attack over the English channel since the Norman conquest, and the Germans were much better equipped to use their advantageous position. All in all, its a miracle and a testament to Ally determination that D-Day was anywhere near as successful as it was.

Norman Food, Drink, and Architecture

Normandie's countryside usually consists of pastures for dairy cows and apple orchards. Many dairy products are created, not the least of these being a wide array of cheeses; Norman cheeses include Camembert, Livarot, Brillat-Savarin, Neufchâtel, and Boursin, just to name a few. Normandy butter and cream are also highly thought of. Seafood is another of Normandie's specialties. Mussels, oysters and scallops are all highly valued delicacies in France, and Normandie is a major producer of all three.


While wine seems to be the national beverage in France, very little wine is in fact made in Normandie. Instead, they specialize in ciders. Apple brandy (especially calvados) is also somewhat popular. The meal trou normand, or Norman break, is a pause between courses during which diners drink a glassful of calvados, and is still observed in many homes and restaurants. Pommeau (an apéritif) is produced by blending unfermented cider and apple brandy. Another aperitif is the kir normand, also made with cider.

Apples are of course not only used for cider; they are also used in cooking. Indeed, one Norman dish - moules à la normande - combines mussels (another regional specialty) with apples. Different regions within Normandie also have separate variations of apple tarts, and bourdelots (an apple baked in pastry) are a popular desert.
Guillaume Tirel, aka Taillevent, was born in Normandie; he was the cook of Kings Charles the V and VI, and wrote the earliest French cook book. This may contribute the variety and quality of cuisine in this region.

French Norman architecture is very similar to English Norman architecture. Half-timbered buildings are common in upper Normandy; in lower Normandy, the building are characterized instead by the building materiel used - granite. In the commune Bagnoles-de-l'Orne, the houses are often villas with bow windows and multicolored facades.

Major Industries, What does this place do?

Normandie is strategically placed at the metaphorical cross roads of Europe, situated between London, Paris, and Brussels. This has been taken advantage of through abundant land, air and sea connections to major cities. At one point or another, over half of France's international sea imports passes through a port in Northwest France.

Of course, Normandie doesn't just import products. Huate-Normandie is a major player in the car manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries, while Basse-Normandie focuses more on the agro-food industry as well as the automotive industry.

Caen's resources include iron mines, and has industries such as steel and electronic equipment. Le Havre is France's main Atlantic port, and therefore is a bustling trade city; industries here include sugar, petroleum refining and the manufacturing of heavy machinery. Finally, Rouen specializes in making soap, paper, brandy, chemicals and textiles.