Everything Everywhere Daily · Wednesday, August 5, 2026
After the war, France promoted a national narrative of fundamental resistance, emphasizing the Republic's continuity and the illegitimacy of the Vichy government. However, this narrative, known as resistanceism, obscured the reality that the Vichy government had genuine support, some French institutions participated in Jewish persecution, and many citizens remained passive or accommodated the occupiers.
“After the war, France developed a powerful national story that portrayed the country as fundamentally resistant.”
“The myth contained important truths, but it also obscured uncomfortable realities.”
“The Vichy government had genuine support, especially during the early occupation.”