Vichy, France and Its Place in the Social History of France

Fall (4-8 hours) | This course is completed

10 Hilton Field Road Hanover, NH 03755 United States

Dining Room

NEW

10/5/2017-10/26/2017

2:00 PM-4:00 PM EDT on Th

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$40.00

4 sessions, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
October 5 through October 26, 2017
DOC House - Hanover, NH
Course Fee: $40

Vichy, France was the seat of the French State during WWII and its name became associated with one of the darkest periods of French history. This government was known for its harsh conservatism, draconian anti-Semitic laws, and a complete reversal of the ideals of the French
Revolution.

How does a country gloriously known for “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity” willingly participate in some of the worst programs of their Nazi conquerors? What is the historical background that allows this to happen?

We shall briefly look at French medieval history looking for hints of what is to come. We will look very closely at the fifty years preceding the dark days of the early 1940’s. The Dreyfus Affair, the terrible effects of WWI on French society, and The Popular Front in the 1930’s shaped what was to develop when the Germans invaded.

What effects of ‘Vichy’ still exist in France today and what connections tie it to Madame Le Pen and her National Front party? Immigration, the European State and the intermingling of cultures all seem to threaten what it means to be French. Can history repeat itself? We shall discuss this over four classes with course materials and some suggested readings.

  • There will be a reading packet for this course.
Rougvie, Robert

Bob Rougvie is a graduate of Suffolk University in Boston with a BA in History. He has had a long career in the wood products industry in New England. Prior to retirement, he was president of a machinery distribution corporation for 23 years. He is an avid reader of history with a particular interest in the period prior to WWII. He has led several Osher classes with an emphasis on early 20th century European history.