This is a guest post about DNA testing in France and Europe
People with European and French ancestry have resources that go much farther back than individuals with ancestors who migrated to the Americas before census records were kept. European ancestry and history can be traced back to ancient Greece and ancient Rome.
According to the British history professor at Roehampton University, John Tosh, at stated in his work ‘The Pursuit of History,’ "From the High Middle Ages (c.1000–1300) onwards, the written word survives in greater abundance than any other source for Western history."
France and Germany refined historiographic research in the 17th and 18th centuries they became like the methods used today by examining the documents and other materials that may provide evidence of their theories relating to their ancestor’s past.
History isn’t Art
In the 20th century, historians withdrew their focus on nationalistic epics that were more positive propaganda for imposing historical figures or a nation’s dominance. Instead, historians stopped treating the documentation of events as art. Instead, they applied the rigor of social science to objectively view the events of the past. French academics began using quantitative history, data, and cultural-historical narratives to change how records were kept. Consequently, the Annales School changed how history was recorded throughout the world, paving the way for amateur genealogists to accurately identify ancestry.
DNA Helps Millions Trace French and European Ancestry
There might be more records and information about ancestors from France and other European nations, but as an aftershock to the tragic events of World War II, many other European nations have developed guidelines for DNA tests.
However, France took it a step further and created bioethical laws that forbid DNA testing unless it is for an authorized medical, judicial, or scientific purpose. France is the only nation in Europe where consumer genetic testing is illegal.
The Rivalry between Great Britain and France
Recently 16.3 million historic birth, marriage, and death records that were hidden away in Parisian archives were uploaded to the internet.
The new documentation showed that the petty rivalry between France and Great Britain is downright silly considering that both nations share ancestral ties. One in 20 British individuals has French ancestry.
Famed genealogist, Maurice Coutot, compiled and protected these records in 1924 when he scoured parish churches to complete his Parisian registration records that were destroyed during the French Civil War.
These precious documents can be at the geneanet.org website and visitors can search by place and surname. While DNA tests might be legally forbidden in France, there haven’t been any fines or cases brought against those who buy, take, or analyze genome data.
How to Choose a Helpful Genetic Ancestry Test
There’s lots of controversy surrounding DNA tests, the storing of sensitive information, and the accuracy of the genome reviews. It is vital to remember that not all DNA tests offer the same level of accuracy, searchable records, or reliability.
DNA Weekly
The marketplace offering DNA tests isn’t strictly regulated. Many genome tests are more entertainment and educated guesswork than actual factual results. It can be difficult sorting the wheat from the chaff.
Reputable companies like Ancestry.com and 23andMe offer a variety of DNA tests but honing in on the type can also be a struggle.
DNA Weekly is a helpful website that provides clear, honest reviews of most DNA and genetic tests that are available to consumers.
DNA tests are the easiest way to find French and European origins. If you’re lucky you will discover connections as far back as the early middle ages.
Or like many Britons and French folks have discovered that they share more biologically with their neighbors across the Channel than they ever expected.
Perhaps, this discovery will help conclude the centuries’ long rivalry between these two nations.
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