Who made the famous remark, ‘When France sneezes, the rest of Europe catches a cold’?

The famous remark, "When France sneezes, the rest of Europe catches a cold," is attributed to the American diplomat and politician, James Monroe. This phrase emphasizes the significant influence that France, as a major European power, has over the rest of the continent's political and economic stability. The saying suggests that events in France, such as political unrest or economic shifts, can have ripple effects that impact neighboring countries and the broader European context. It reflects the interconnectedness of European nations during the period in which it was said, highlighting the importance of France's actions and decisions in shaping the political landscape of Europe.