Offenbach, Jacques, AW fuhn bahk, zhahk (1819-1880), a French composer, created the French style of operetta. His operettas are humorous, witty, and satirical. He enjoyed poking fun at the politics and society of his day, and quoting familiar themes from other compositions (especially operas). Offenbach's success internationally helped to establish operetta as an accepted musical form and led to the development of musicals in the United States in the 1900's.