The French at War 1934 to 1944

The years 1934-1944 remain most contentious and dramatic decade in modern French history. After the bourgeois self-confidence of the 1020s, France was plunged into a depression out of which there seemed no escape. The authoritarian regime of Marshal Petain hoped to bring unity and an overhaul of French institutions but it only achieved discord, especially through its policy of collaboration with Germany and its persecution of Jews and other minorities. This book provides an accessible and concise introduction to this period. In a wide ranging synthesis, the book examines the backdrop of the 1930s, the reason for France's defeat, the nature of the Vichy regime, the phenomenon of collaboration, and the growth of resistance. Looking ahead to the present day, the book also examines how the French establishment and public have coped with the legacy of Vichy and explains why the occupation is still ever present in French politics and everyday life. An array of primary documents are provided along with a chronology, glossary and Who's Who guide to key figures. For those intrested in French history or 20th century European history.

Nicholas Atkin is a Senior Lecturer in Modern European History at the University of Reading.