Most Americans are aware of the vital and timely military assistance provided by the King of France to the American Revolution. Even in our near historically illiterate age, students know of the role played by the Marquis de Lafayette to help General Washington. Not as well known perhaps is the significance of General Comte Jean de Rochambeau, Commander of the French Expeditionary forces who turned the tide against the British at the Battle at Yorktown, Virginia in 1781. America would soon be an independent nation.
But despite the former French military assistance to the infant Republic and cultural influence in Louisiana, and large parts of what became the U.S., relatively few Americans speak the language of Moliere.
In an unscientific but interesting survey of Facebook users registered in the USA,
there are only 1.3 million who are using French on the social site. Most, I would assume are French nationals, or Citoyens de la Republique.
In a survey by the very worthwhile site www.Frenchdistrict.com we find that
California has the largest segment of Francophone users, with New York coming in with 180,520, and Florida with 123,000. I presume the overwhelming number are French expats in America. Businessmen, students, bonvivants, etc.
Wyoming has the fewest French speakers registered at 1,400 and even Hawaii has just under 10,000.
Washington DC has the largest percentage of Francophones with 2.5% of the Facebook population in America's capital city--planned by a Frenchman, by the way.
General Rochambeau is watching over them!
Statue of Major General Comte Jean de Rochambeau in Lafayette Park, Washington.
The statue, just opposite the White House was unveiled by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1902 to commemorate and honor French assistance during the War of Independence.
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