Pétain
Marshal Pétain, Pierre Laval, government ministers, members of parliament, and the staff who worked at the Hôtel du Parc all played a part in the history of the Vichy regime. In June 1940, President Paul Reynaud delivered a radio address urging the French people not to lose heart. He remained convinced that the French army would defend the country's borders and continue to resist the German advance. The reality on the battlefield, however, was far less encouraging. Instead of the determined resistance he had hoped for, the roads were filled with endless streams of refugees fleeing the fighting, frequently coming under attack from German aircraft. The government, which included Marshal Pétain, was also forced to move from place to place in search of safety. It first took refuge at the Château de Cangé before relocating to Bordeaux. Reynaud continued to believe that the war could still be fought, but doubts were already spreading among some members of his cabinet. General Weygand, in particular, took a much more pessimistic view. In his assessment, the French army, with only fifty divisions, stood little chance against a German force of 140 divisions, equipped, organized and trained for war. Under such circumstances, he argued, seeking an Honorable armistice was the only realistic option. Marshal Pétain ultimately reached the same conclusion.
- 1993
- 2 Hrs 12 Mins
- Suspense, Drama, Documentary, Action & Adventure
Marshal Pétain, Pierre Laval, government ministers, members of parliament, and the staff who worked at the Hôtel du Parc all played a part in the history of the Vichy regime. In June 1940, President Paul Reynaud delivered a radio address urging the French people not to lose heart. He remained convinced that the French army would defend the country's borders and continue to resist the German advance. The reality on the battlefield, however, was far less encouraging. Instead of the determined resistance he had hoped for, the roads were filled with endless streams of refugees fleeing the fighting, frequently coming under attack from German aircraft. The government, which included Marshal Pétain, was also forced to move from place to place in search of safety. It first took refuge at the Château de Cangé before relocating to Bordeaux. Reynaud continued to believe that the war could still be fought, but doubts were already spreading among some members of his cabinet. General Weygand, in particular, took a much more pessimistic view. In his assessment, the French army, with only fifty divisions, stood little chance against a German force of 140 divisions, equipped, organized and trained for war. Under such circumstances, he argued, seeking an Honorable armistice was the only realistic option. Marshal Pétain ultimately reached the same conclusion.