ELI5 French Fries - really they weren't invented in France?

ELI5 Explain Like I'm 5: Bite sized answers to stuff you should know about - in a mini podcast

Why are they called chips in England and fries in the US? If they weren't invented in France, where did they come from? What is it about french fries in particular that make them nearly impossible to taste good once reheated in the microwave, unlike a pizza? Is it true that Thomas Jefferson brought French Fries to the United States?

... We explain like i'm five!

Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community as always and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: taco_bell_ceo, pfeifits, slash178 & lisabauer58.

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