Summary
Highlights
Fascism has deep historical roots in France, which current French society tends to downplay, focusing instead on the resistance movement. Konstantin Zalevsky, a historian, explains that numerous fascist parties like "Fiery Crosses," "French Brigades," and "French People's Union" existed and gained support throughout the 1920s and 1930s. These parties, such as Doriot's party, explicitly modeled themselves after Mussolini's fascist movement, adopting similar programs and symbols like the Roman salute. These three movements later formed the backbone of the Vichy regime.
France's defeat to Germany in 1940 was unexpected, as it was considered Europe's most powerful nation. This loss led to France being partially occupied and partially allied with Germany. The high casualties from World War I left the French population unprepared and unwilling to endure another major conflict, contributing to the quick surrender. Marshall Philippe Pétain, who saw himself as a national leader, became the head of the Vichy government. He advocated for traditional values, conservatism, anti-parliamentarism, and national unity, proposing an agreement with Germany rather than aligning with Britain, believing agreement with Germany would be less detrimental to France than alliance with Britain. Pétain received full authority from the National Assembly, and with Paris occupied, the government moved to Vichy, giving the regime its name.
The Vichy regime, though collaborating with German occupiers, was not inherently fascist but rather nationally conservative, largely influenced by Pétain's personal beliefs. Its core policy was the "National Revolution," which, despite its name, was a counter-revolution aiming to dismantle the Third Republic and establish a paternalistic state based on "labor, family, fatherland." This involved returning to traditional values, patriarchy, and anti-parliamentarism, essentially neutralizing political dissent. Pétain's leadership, however, often saw power usurped by more active figures like Pierre Laval or Admiral Darlan. The Germans considered Vichy a puppet state and actively supported fascist movements within it, implementing strict anti-Jewish laws and forming a French secret police. A French Legion, later expanded to a Wehrmacht infantry regiment, even fought under Moscow during WWII.
The Vichy government held strategic importance for Germany due to its control over the French navy, stationed in Toulon and North Africa, and its administration of French colonies. This allowed the Vichy regime to maintain a degree of independence despite being a puppet state, prolonging its existence. However, German control was stringent, leading to the eventual occupation of Southern France and the flight of Pétain and Laval to Sigmaringen. France's contribution to WWII was disproportionately small compared to WWI. Its military actions were limited to the "phony war" and the swift defeat of 1940. The Free French forces, led by Charles de Gaulle, constituted a small volunteer contingent, meaning France's overall contribution to the Allied victory did not align with the diplomatic benefits it received after the war.