Politics, society and Christianity in Vichy France
By: W.D. Halls.
Series: Berg French studies
Publisher: Berg
Published: 1995
Place of publication: Oxford; Providence, USA
Language: eng
Number of pages: 419
Subjects: Catholic Church -- France -- Clergy -- Political activity; Christians -- France -- Attitudes; World War, 1939-1945 -- Underground movements -- France; Youth movement -- France -- History -- 20th century; France -- History -- German occupation, 1940-1945; France -- Politics and government -- 1940-1945; Vichy (France) -- Cultural policy
Description: This is the first work in English or French to deal comprehensively with the attitudes and activities of Christians, both Catholic and Protestant, in France during the Vichy regime and under the German yoke. The author shows how Christians reacted to Marshal Petain and the Laval government, as well as to the Allies, the Germans, the Resistance and the Vatican.

The trauma of the treatment of the Jews, which eventually acted upon the Church as a catalyst, is assessed in detail since it represented a turning-point in Christian attitudes.

This examination of one of history's darkest periods provides a wealth of new material on matters hotly debated at the Liberation: the regime's slide into near-fascism; the persecution of the Jews; the attempted regimentation of youth and trade unions; resistance to or collaboration with the enemy; and the paramountcy of conscience for Christians.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 399-404) and index.