French, Lingua franca

[online.education]

French was the language of diplomacy in Europe from the 17th century until its recent replacement by English, and as a result is still a working language of international institutions and is seen on documents ranging from passports to airmail letters. For many years, until the accession of the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Denmark in 1973, French and German were the only official working languages of the European Economic Community. French was also the lingua franca of European literature in the 18th century.

French was also the language used among the educated in many cosmopolitan cities across the Middle East and North Africa. This was true in cities such as Cairo, around the turn of the 20th century until World War II, and especially in the French colonies of the Maghreb. French is particularly important in Algeria and its capital, Algiers. Until the outbreak of the civil war in Lebanon, French was the language that the Christian members of the upper class of Lebanese society used. French is still a lingua franca in most Western and Central African countries (where it often enjoys official status), a remnant of the colonial rule of France and Belgium. These African countries, together with several other countries throughout the world, are members of La Francophonie.

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I can understand how and why French became lingua franca in its colonies; they were only told to do after all. But how did French become lingua franca of Europe (and maintained its status up until very recently)? Why not Spanish? Why not Italian? Why not ... English?

[ablaye]

Remember that Napolean conquered most of Europe.
Also, French used to be a language for the enlightened people. The educated and elite bourgeosie of Europe used to view the language with high regards.

[online.education]

Originally Posted by ablaye

Remember that Napolean conquered most of Europe.

Yeah, but French was already the language of the European court before Napoleon.