Everything Everywhere Daily · Wednesday, August 5, 2026
In June 1940, following a devastating military defeat and occupation by Germany, small French groups began forming resistance movements. These clandestine networks, intelligence organizations, and ordinary individuals aimed to fight back against German occupation and the collaborationist Vichy regime between 1940 and 1944.
“In June 1940, France suffered one of the most humiliating military defeats in its history.”
“Yet, across France, small groups began printing newspapers, gathering intelligence, hiding fugitives, and fighting back.”
“What started as scattered acts of defiance eventually grew into a nationwide underground movement.”