The French government that collaborated with the Nazis during World War II was known as the Vichy government.

The Vichy government was established after France surrendered to Germany in June 1940. It derived its name from the city of Vichy, where the government was headquartered. Under the leadership of Marshal Philippe Pétain, the Vichy regime aimed to maintain a semblance of French sovereignty while collaborating with the occupying German forces.

During its existence from 1940 to 1944, the Vichy government implemented a series of policies that aligned with Nazi interests. It actively cooperated with the Germans in numerous ways, including the deportation of Jews to concentration camps, the persecution of political dissidents, and the forced labor of French citizens in German industries.

The Vichy government justified its collaboration with the Nazis by claiming that it was necessary to maintain order and protect the French people from further German aggression. However, many French citizens saw the government as illegitimate and viewed its collaboration as a betrayal of national interests.

The Vichy regime's collaboration with the Nazis came to an end in 1944 with the Allied liberation of France. As German forces retreated, the Vichy government lost its authority and control over the country. Many of its leaders were arrested and tried for their collaboration with the Nazis.

The Vichy government remains a controversial and sensitive topic in French history. It represents a dark chapter in the nation's past, highlighting the complexities and moral dilemmas faced by those in power during times of occupation and war.

In conclusion, the Vichy government was the name given to the French government that collaborated with the Nazis during World War II. Its collaboration involved implementing policies that aligned with Nazi interests and actively cooperating with the occupying German forces. However, its authority came to an end with the Allied liberation of France in 1944.

Sign Up