Marshal Pétain before Vichy, Henri Amouroux

The nuanced portrait of Marshal Pétain before the Occupation by Henri Amouroux, master of the history of the Second World War.

Henri Amouroux offers us an enlightening biography of Marshal Pétain before the dark hours of Vichy. This masterful analysis reveals the complexity of a figure who was first the hero of Verdun before becoming a controversial character in the history of France.

What you will discover:

• Pétain’s military career and his glory at Verdun in 1916
• His role during the First World War and the interwar years
• His political and military vision before the 1940 armistice
• The circumstances that brought him to power in June 1940
• The analysis of the choices that preceded the collaboration

Amouroux excels at placing this pivotal period in context, offering an essential historical perspective to understand France in 1940. A key work to grasp the stakes that led to one of the most dramatic periods of our history.

Reference on Marshal Pétain and France in 1940. Available in print on demand, ePub, and PDF. Free delivery in France.