As others have stated, both France and America have had a very flippant friendship, with plenty of twists and turns. I think our current reckoning for blaming France is, like TheAbominatrix said, purely a petty form of vanity, jealousy, or perhaps we Americans just don't like being looked down upon by anyone. Call it the chip-on-the-shoulder syndrome we always possess. It works in our favor because it motivates us to excel, but can also make egos even bigger, which can only lead to bickering. I think if push came to shove, America and France would still be allies. Their relationship sort of reminds me of a sibling rivalry, and right now, both are teenagers. Hopefully, soon, both will grow up, stop the bickering and realize that we need each other, as we need many more countries then we've previously seemed to.

Take care all.