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France had not been the same since WWI. They fought bravely in that war. When WWII started they just were not prepared or had the gumption to stick it out. France was one of the early united countries in Europe. Spain, England and France were the early countries that were able to unite and have some power. Spain hit its heights during the early colonial period, but after its loss to England (demise of the Spanish Armada) England and Spain were the early powers. Austria came along and later Russia, and finally Italy and Germany, but France was the big continental power during the from the 16th Century until the demise of Napoleon.

France has an inferiority complex vis-a-vis the Anglo-Saxon powers of Britain and the USA. There is a resentment there because we have achieved so much. Their country occupies a keystone location in Western Europe. It's geography guarantees that it is important. However, since the battle of Verdun, France is not know for much but good food, perfume and good looking women that don't shave under their arms. I lived overseas for 9 years and have traveled to France several times. I ran into French rudeness, but also much good. Of course, compared to visiting the UK where I never encountered rudeness, or Germany, where the people are a bit rude in public, but very friendly in private or as friends, France is second rate. Italy is my favorite country to visit. I love the people, history and climate.

"When WWII started they just were not prepared or had the gumption to stick it out"

they really didn't have a chance, also belgium not letting france and gb deploy pre-emptively and instead becoming neutral guaranteed germany had a not-so-opposed entry into NE france. once the armor was on the ground, who was going to stop it at that point?

i think post-occupation collaboration was a far bigger shame issue than losing to the german military of that time.