School of War Ep 241: Julian Jackson on Nazi-Occupied France and Pétain
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Oct 21, 2025 Julian Jackson, Emeritus Professor of Modern French History at Queen Mary University of London, dives into the complexities of Philippe Pétain and Vichy France. He describes how Pétain transformed from the 'Hero of Verdun' to a controversial leader during Nazi occupation. The discussion covers France's 1940 armistice decision and debates around its legality. Jackson also sheds light on Vichy’s anti-Semitic policies and the harsh treatment of Jews. His insights reveal the lasting impact of Pétain's legacy on contemporary French politics.
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From Verdun Hero To National Saviour
- Pétain rose from WWI hero to interwar national savior because Verdun and his care for soldiers built immense moral authority.
- That symbolic status let conservatives see him as the strongman to restore order amid 1930s political chaos.
1930s Political Polarisation
- 1930s France was deeply polarised with anti-parliamentary leagues and a left-right split after 6 February 1934 riots.
- That fracture made calls for a strong conservative savior politically credible before 1940.
Why Pétain Chose Armistice And Vichy
- After France's 1940 collapse, Pétain led the armistice faction believing defeat required accommodation and a ‘national revolution’.
- The armistice split France into an occupied north and an unoccupied zone governed from Vichy.
