Julian Jackson

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.

Julian Jackson, a noted historian of modern France, dives into the dramatic treason trial of Marshal Pétain in 1945. He explores how Pétain's return to face trial reflected deep questions about French identity and accountability. Topics include de Gaulle's ambivalence toward the trial, the complex charges against Pétain, and the trial's dual nature as both a genuine legal proceeding and a potential spectacle. Jackson illuminates the historical implications of Pétain's legacy and France's moral and political reckoning after World War II.

Historian Julian Jackson joins to dissect the complex legacy of Marshal Pétain and the Vichy regime. He challenges the notion of Pétain playing a double game with the Nazis, examining the scandalous antisemitism present in Vichy policies. The discussion also delves into the marginalized fate of France’s Jews during Pétain's trial, exploring public attitudes and the ambient anti-Semitism of the time. Jackson connects these historical threads to modern French politics, analyzing attempts to rehabilitate Vichy's image in today's far-right discourse.