The french reputation of surrendering is grossly overstated. Regarding WWII, it is my understanding that most of the generals and upper military leadership had been paid off to stand down when the Germans came into France, in addition to not really being in the mood to get into another protracted war with the Germans, many of the high ranking French military had been on the front lines in WWI and thus knew what that would entail. Regarding Liberals, I think you give them too much credit. I know quite a few and they are for the most part extremely ignorant of history, especially those who claim to be communists.