1925 Peace of Food

We pretty much take modern times for granted. We're all of a height range that seems fairly constant. The only countries who don't get along with each other are in hot zones and stuff like that.
But it's interesting sometimes to take a larger historical perspective. Like recently France and Germany, twin powerhouses of the Euro-economy, celebrated a significant achievement; 50 years of unbroken peaceful coexistence.
It was actually 50 years of "official" Franco-German Friendship, as that last all-out war between them ended about 67 years ago. Still, Germany and France have been neighbors for centuries. And it's only the last 50 years they haven't been at war?
And we talk about the fractious middle east.
By comparison we've been pretty good buds with Canada for quite a while. Even if they do speak funny English.
Another interesting historical perspective. Our size and lifespan. In 1850, when Germany and France were really going at it, the average American male was 5 foot 7 and 146 pounds. In 1980, he was 5 feet 10 and 174 pounds.
We're also living a lot longer. When humans first emerged 200,000 years ago, the average life span was 20 years, give or take an occasional Methuselah. In 1900, it was 44 years. It took 200,000 years for us to gain 24 years. But in the last century that lifespan has shot to 80 years. A lot due to technological improvements in water, sewers, and suchlike.
And not a little because we aren't bringing down the average by waging huge world wars.
So thanks France and Germany for getting along. And thanks for the quintessential blending of food that made us great too. That sandwich from Hamburg, Germany, and those great fried potatoes from France.
Hamburgers and French Fries.
Like Peace on a Plate.
America, ya gotta love it.