World War 2 and the French homefront?

Question

The French Home Front during World War 2?

I have a project pertaining to the home front of France during the second world war. Information about France before the Germans entered the country and after they stayed too. Was there rationing? What was daily life like? How did the people support the war effort. And also about the government and Politics, I know very little about Vichy france and the free french any clarity will be awesome!

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

This is what I know most and I predict what you will read in other references.

The French were victorious in the First World War and they did it with tactics based on fighting in trenches. World War II came and the Germans employed a war tactic called blitz krieg, it was no match for the French who were used to trench fighting.

I think that should be your central theme on how the French failed in WW II. Then later on you can discuss how life was for the French during WW II.

Note:

Its gonna take a lot of reading. Good luck. Hope I helped even a bit. :-)

Answer 2

You really have to research this yourself. You've asked for way too much information for us to provide you with an adequate answer.

There was rationing. The people lived in constant fear - death, deportation (death), impressed into the German Army, etc. There was a significant amount of rationing. All the good stuff, and basic essentials, were kept by the Germans or sent back to Germany.

The Free French were based in London under General de Gaulle (entire books have been written about this guy and his role in the War), while the collaborators were in Vichy under Marshal Petain who had been a hero in WWI. At the time of WWII he was a befuddled old man.

The Resistance was instrumental in providing the Allies with invaluable information which greatly assisted in the 6 June 1944 invasion.

Collaborators were not treated kindly by their countrymen at Wars end.