Who was the Leader of France in World War 2?
France, a country known for its rich history, culture, and politics, played a significant role in World War 2. The war had a profound impact on France, leading to the occupation of the country by Germany, and the eventual liberation by the Allies. During this period, France had several leaders who played crucial roles in shaping the country’s destiny. In this article, we will explore the leadership of France during World War 2.
Pre-War Leadership
Prior to the outbreak of World War 2, France was led by Paul Reynaud, who was the Prime Minister of France from March 1940 to June 1940. Reynaud was a member of the Radical Party and was known for his strong anti-Nazi stance. He was a key figure in the French government during the early years of the war, and played a significant role in the development of the French military strategy.
The Fall of France
In May 1940, Germany launched a surprise attack on France, known as the Battle of France. The French military was quickly overwhelmed, and the country was divided into two parts: the occupied zone, controlled by Germany, and the free zone, controlled by the French government.
Vichy France
In June 1940, Maréchal Philippe Pétain, a French military leader, was appointed as the head of the French government in the free zone. Pétain was a respected figure in France, known for his role in World War 1, but he was also a conservative and a monarchist. He believed that France had been defeated and that the country needed to surrender to Germany.
Pétain’s government, known as Vichy France, collaborated with the Germans and implemented a series of anti-Semitic laws, which targeted the Jewish population of France. Vichy France also participated in the Roundup of French Jews, which led to the deportation of thousands of Jews to concentration camps in Germany.
Resistance Movement
Despite the occupation, a strong Resistance Movement emerged in France, led by figures such as Charles de Gaulle, Jean Moulin, and Henri Frenay. The Resistance Movement was a group of French citizens who opposed the German occupation and collaborated with the Allies to disrupt German operations and prepare for the eventual liberation of France.
Free French Forces
In June 1940, Charles de Gaulle, a French military leader, was appointed as the leader of the Free French Forces, a group of French soldiers who had escaped from France and were fighting against the Germans. De Gaulle was a strong leader who believed in the importance of French independence and was determined to liberate France from German occupation.
Liberation of France
In June 1944, the Allies, led by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, launched a massive invasion of Normandy, known as D-Day. The invasion marked the beginning of the end of German occupation in France, and the country was eventually liberated by the Allies.
Post-War Leadership
After the liberation of France, Charles de Gaulle became the leader of the country, serving as the President of the Provisional Government of the French Republic from June 1944 to January 1946. De Gaulle was a key figure in the post-war reconstruction of France and played a significant role in the development of the country’s government and institutions.
Key Figures
Here is a list of key figures who played important roles in the leadership of France during World War 2:
| Leader | Position | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Reynaud | Prime Minister | March 1940 – June 1940 |
| Maréchal Philippe Pétain | Head of Government | June 1940 – July 1944 |
| Charles de Gaulle | Leader of the Free French Forces | June 1940 – August 1944 |
| Charles de Gaulle | President of the Provisional Government | June 1944 – January 1946 |
Conclusion
The leadership of France during World War 2 was marked by a series of complex and often conflicting events. The country was divided into two parts, with the occupied zone controlled by Germany and the free zone controlled by the French government. Despite the challenges, a strong Resistance Movement emerged, and the country was eventually liberated by the Allies. Charles de Gaulle played a key role in the liberation of France and went on to become the leader of the country in the post-war period.
