The Divided France During WWII: Collaboration and Resistance

The fall of Paris in June 1940 marked a turning point in the history of France and Europe. The French nation, which had proudly resisted foreign invaders for centuries, was suddenly divided into two camps: one that collaborated with the Nazi occupiers and one that resisted them. This article explores the underlying causes of this division, focusing on the key figures and ideological factions at play during World War II.

Political and Social Polarization

France entered the war with confidence and optimism, believing that its army was superior to the German one and that its allies, Britain and Poland, would provide sufficient support. However, the German invasion of France in May 1940 exposed the weaknesses of the French defense system, which relied on outdated tactics and equipment such as the Maginot Line, and a lack of coordination between air and ground forces. The German blitzkrieg strategy, which combined fast-moving tanks, planes, and infantry, overwhelmed the French army and forced it to retreat.

The French government, led by Prime Minister Paul Reynaud, was unable to cope with the crisis, losing its authority and legitimacy as many French people felt betrayed and humiliated by their leaders who seemed to have abandoned them to their fate.

Divided Ideological Camps

Before the war, France was divided into two main ideological camps: the left-wing Popular Front, which supported social reforms and anti-fascism, and the right-wing conservative factions, which opposed them. The Popular Front, which came to power in 1936 under Leon Blum, faced fierce opposition from the conservative parties, the army, the church, and the business elite. It also faced internal divisions among its supporters, such as communists, socialists, and radicals. The economic crisis caused by the Great Depression worsened the social tensions and increased the popularity of extremist movements such as fascism and communism.

The outbreak of war in 1939 further deepened the rift between the left and the right, as they disagreed on how to deal with Germany. Germany’s heavy influence on French politics and society was evident after its defeat in 1940, when they established a puppet regime in Vichy under Marshal Philippe Petain.

The Vichy Government and German Collaborators

The Vichy regime collaborated with Germany in various ways, such as enforcing anti-Semitic laws, sending French workers to Germany, and fighting against the Allies in North Africa. They also tried to impose a new ideology on France based on nationalism, authoritarianism, and traditionalism. The Vichy regime claimed to represent the true France, while denouncing its opponents as traitors and enemies of the nation.

The Free French Movement

Britain played a significant role in shaping French resistance against Germany. After France’s surrender in 1940, General Charles de Gaulle fled to London and formed a government-in-exile that claimed to be the legitimate representative of France. De Gaulle broadcasted messages to France via radio, urging his compatriots to resist German occupation and join his Free French Forces. He also received support from other Allied countries such as the United States and Canada. His movement gradually gained followers among various segments of French society, including those who escaped from captivity, joined from overseas colonies, engaged in sabotage or espionage, or published underground newspapers or pamphlets.

Consequences of the Division

Divisions during World War II had profound consequences for France's future. On one hand, it weakened France's position as a major power in Europe and damaged its national unity and identity. On the other hand, it also stimulated a process of renewal and reconstruction that paved the way for a new political and social order after the war. The liberation of France in 1944-1945 was a moral victory over collaboration and defeatism, leading to a purge of collaborators and traitors, the restoration of democracy and republicanism, recognition of resistance heroes and martyrs, reforms of institutions and policies, national reconciliation, and a reassertion of France's role in world affairs.