Be fair now!
The French were just behind the Wright brothers in the early aviation scene, hence the many terms we use that derive from the French, such as Pan, Mayday, aileron (little wing) and 'Br' for mist, to name just a few. If things had worked out only slightly differently the French would have kept their leading role in aviation.
As you may know, the Wrights were very enthusiastically received when they made exhibition flights in France, not that long after their first flight.
Also, our most famous early 'ace', Eddie Rickenbacker, achieved his victories flying a French SPAD. At that time the best the USA could build was the rather lame Thomas-Morse Scout, not up to the then standard for combat.
Today, thanks in part to massive government support, bribery, corruption and British-built wings the French are trying to again come to the fore.