What role did the Free French play in World War II?
What role did the Free French play in World War II?
Free French forces won control, helped by Britain and the U.S, and used it to attack Nazi-occupied France. All French colonies except Indochina eventually joined the Free French. The number of Free French troops grew with their successes in North Africa and the invasion of Italy by the Army of Africa.
What is the difference between Free France and Vichy France?
Vichy’s claim to be the legitimate French government was denied by Free France and by all subsequent French governments after the war. They maintain that Vichy was an illegal government run by traitors, having come to power through an unconstitutional coup d’état.
What did the Free French forces do?
The Free French fought both Axis and Vichy troops and served in almost every major campaign, from the Middle East to Indochina and North Africa. The Free French Navy operated as an auxiliary force to the Royal Navy and, in the North Atlantic, to the Royal Canadian Navy.
Why did Germany not conquer all of France?
The illusion of legitimacy created by Petain’s government greatly delayed the need to send significant German occupation forces to the south of France for anti-partisan and subjugation duties. The drain on manpower was far less severe as a result, and Nazi Germany required every formations they could on the Ost front.
How much of France was occupied by Germany?
Germany occupied three-fifths of mainland France: the areas with the most economic potential and the Atlantic and Northern coasts. The Militärbefehlshaber in Frankreich (MBF) (the German Military Command in France) was set up in to administer this “occupied zone.” Otto von Stülpnagel took control of it in October 1940.
What does Vichy mean in English?
Definition of ‘Vichy’ 1. a sparkling mineral water from springs at Vichy. 2. a natural or processed water like this. In full Vichy water.
