La France occupée

France under Occupation

- The Occupation Period: The Nazis occupied France during WWII from 1940 to 1944. This era is known as L’Occupation. It majorly impacted French society and continues to influence its political and social dynamics.

- Division of France: Following the armistice on June 22, 1940, France was divided into two zones. The northern zone was directly under German control, while the southern part, known as the Vichy Regime, was a puppet government with nominal independence, under Marshal Pétain.

- The Atmosphere: The Occupation period was marked by intense fear, scarcity of resources and severe restrictions across France. This included curfews, rationing, forced labour in Germany (Service du Travail Obligatoire or STO), and confiscation of resources.

- Treatment of Jews and Other Marginalised Groups: There was drastic and systematic persecution of Jews and other targeted groups, culminating in the Holocaust or Shoah. The Vichy government assisted in deporting Jews to extermination camps.

- Collaboration and collaborationism: There were both individuals and groups who, for various reasons, cooperated with the Nazis. This controversial element in French history is known as Collaboration.

The French Resistance

- Definition: The French Resistance refers to the collective efforts of groups and individuals who opposed the Nazis and the Vichy regime. This encompassed diverse activities like sabotage, espionage, sheltering of the persecuted, and more.

- The Free French and Charles de Gaulle: Led by Charles de Gaulle, the Free French Forces strove to maintain France’s standing among the Allies, and undertook various military actions, both domestically and from abroad.

- Maquis Units: Usually located in rural areas, maquis were bands of Resistance fighters (known as the Maquisards) who carried out guerrilla warfare against occupying forces.

- An Inclusive Movement: Resistance wasn’t limited to a specific class or group, but saw individuals from varied backgrounds participating, including women, workers, intellectuals and more.

- Liberation and Aftermath: The efforts of the Resistance played a key role in the liberation of France. Many Resistance members moved into key positions in the post-war French government, playing an instrumental role in shaping modern France.

- Legacy: The story of the Resistance has been an influential narrative in France. However, it underwent changes over time, with intense debates about the nature of memory and representation, known as the ‘War of Memories’.

This era is crucial to understanding France’s national identity and psyche. It has been a popular topic in literature, films, and other forms of expression, and continues to inspire dialogues around patriotism, nationalism, and heroism.