France's experience in World War II was marked by initial defeat and subsequent occupation. In 1940, after a swift German offensive, France surrendered, leading to the establishment of a collaborationist Vichy government in the unoccupied south and German occupation in the north. The Vichy regime, under Marshal Philippe Pétain, collaborated with the Nazis, implementing antisemitic policies and assisting in the deportation of Jews. However, significant resistance movements sprung up throughout France, actively fighting against the German occupation. These groups, ranging from communist partisans to members of the Free French Forces under Charles de Gaulle, engaged in sabotage, espionage, and armed combat. The liberation of France began in 1944 with the Allied landings in Normandy and Provence, culminating in the liberation of Paris and the eventual defeat of the German forces. The war left a lasting impact on French society, shaping its political landscape and national identity in profound ways. The legacy of collaboration versus resistance remains a complex and debated aspect of French history.
Which event marked the beginning of the end for German occupation in France?
What was the name of the collaborationist government established in France during WWII?
Who led the Free French Forces during WWII?
Which of these policies was NOT implemented by the Vichy regime?