[FIC] Boiled Down to This

[nkiseki]

Title: Boiled Down to This
Word Count: ~1600
Characters/Pairings: France/Germany
Rating: PG
Summary: France and Germany from the Franco-Prussian War to the European Union.
Notes: For the obvious pair that gets little love in the English-speaking fandom. Also, because my love for them stems from my econ-geek side.

Comments

[nkiseki]

Ah, child-birthing sounds so painful, but thank you so much for the compliment. I always kind of panic when I'm writing actually history based fic for nations that are not America or China since I'm afraid of getting it wrong. I recently took a class about Britain and France's cultural history in the fin-de-siècle so that really helped me try to get France somewhat decent.

The 3rd Republic spent lots and lots of time trying to kick the Catholics' ass, so... sorry, but I could'nt help but lol'd.
I completely agree. Secularization was so the "in" thing during the Third Republic. On the other hand, you also had the Conservatives, the military, and the fact that many people were still Catholic so that's what I drew from. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but I still think of France as a Catholic nation in the same way that I believe America is a Protestant nation.

Also, the theme of religion and nation always intrigues me, especially because it's not often used in Hetalia fandom; but religion plays such a huge part in shaping a nation so I can't help but throw a hail in there. ^^

[maikichelorrain]

Yeap.
Very few writers remember that France and Prussia/Germany hated each other way before WW2 (how many time did I read that Gilbert betrayed Francis in 1940..), so I was very happy that you were so historically accurate.

Oh sure, France at that time was still a Catholic country. And the clergy was a political force supporting the monarchists until the 1890's - it's this last point that made me lulz. Actually the end of the opposition of the State and the clergy ended after WW1 - everybody died and suffered, everybody was loyal to the Nation, so there was no use anymore.

For me America as a country is far more religious than France - in general. So... yeah, maybe Francis is still Catholic deep inside, but well, he just... doesn't care anymore. I guess he likes visiting cathedral, but don't ask him to stay for the mass.

[nkiseki]

So... yeah, maybe Francis is still Catholic deep inside, but well, he just... doesn't care anymore. I guess he likes visiting cathedral, but don't ask him to stay for the mass.

That's an interesting POV. Is that what it's like in France today? I mean, I think most people in general are jaded by religion, especially as time progresses, but I didn't realize that France wouldn't go to mass. Would you say that France wouldn't go to mass at all, or perhaps he'd go to special holiday masses? Because I can so imagine Christmas mass actually being somewhat important...

(Sorry if I'm being bothersome. I like learning random things about different nations, especially if I could possibly use it for other fic ^^;;)

[maikichelorrain]

Oh no, it's ok ^^

Yes, most people don't practice. Most of Catholics are Catholics by tradition, and believe in God but that's all. Not to mention the Pope isn't very popular here either, so that doesn't help.
Beside the whole separation of the State and the Church is still kicking ass. Religion is something considered as a private thing and people are attached to this law.

Euhh... well, Christmas is maybe more important, but we just don't practice that much, and Christmas is becoming more and more pagan in a way that hm... ^^"

But that's a good idea, Francis only going to Mass for the most important ones, like Christmas and Easter. I see him as a deist, and I guess he's still a bit attached to the Church by tradition and by maybe some memories, but it's something really private. He doesn't talk about it beliefs otherwards :)