French colonization of the Americas From 1851 to 1951 it was the site of a notorious penal colony, Devil's Island ("Île du Diable"). Since 1946, French Guiana has been an overseas department of France. French colonization of the Americas The French colonization of the Americas began in the 16th century, and continued on into the following centuries as France established a colonial empire in the Western Hemisphere. France founded colonies in much of eastern North America, on a number of Caribbean islands, and in South America. Most colonies were developed to export products such as fish, rice sugar, and furs. As they colonized the New
18th Infantry Division (France) the Battle of the Somme, the Battle of the Lys, the Battle of Matz, the Fourth Battle of Champagne, the Second Battle of the Marne and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. At various times, it was part of the French First Army, French Second Army, French Third Army, French Fourth Army, French Fifth Army, French Sixth Army, French Eighth Army, French Ninth Army and French Tenth Army. During the Battle of France in May 1940 the division was made up of the following units: It was a Series A reserve division which contained younger reservists. 18th Infantry Division (France) The 18th Infantry