The Vichy Government: Collaboration, Resistance, and the Legacy of Occupied France

Introduction

The Vichy Government, established in France during World War II after the country’s defeat by Nazi Germany in 1940, remains a contentious and complex chapter in French history. This report examines the themes of collaboration and resistance within the Vichy regime, as well as the long-lasting implications of its policies for post-war France. The purpose of this analysis is to explore how the Vichy Government’s actions were characterized by collaboration with Nazi occupiers, the emergence of resistance movements, and the enduring legacy that continues to influence French society and politics today.

Collaboration with Nazi Germany

The establishment of the Vichy regime marked a significant shift in French governance, as it represented a departure from the democratic principles that had been central to the Third Republic. Led by Marshal Philippe Pétain, the Vichy Government opted for an authoritarian approach, emphasizing a nationalistic ideology that promoted traditional values and sought to restore order in a time of chaos. Central to Vichy’s policies was the decision to collaborate with Nazi Germany, wh