French Resistance
The French Resistance was a group of French resistance movements that fought against the Nazi German military occupation in France during World War II (1939–1945). Resistance cells were small groups of armed men and women who killed German soldiers, published secret newspapers, collected information about the German army, and helped Allied soldiers and pilots who were trapped in France to get back to Great Britain. The men and women of the Resistance came from all levels of society and different religions.
The Allied armies helped the French Resistance by giving them guns and explosives. It was very dangerous to be a member of the French Resistance. Members who were caught by the Germans were often tortured and killed. When the Resistance killed a German officer, sometimes the Nazi army would kill large numbers of innocent civilians as a punishment.
The French Resistance helped the Allied armies to advance through France in 1944. After the invasion of Normandy on 6 June 1944, and the invasion of Provence on 15 August, they gave the Allies information about the German defenses. The Resistance also sabotaged the electrical power grid, transportation methods, and telecommunications networks. During the Nazi occupation of France, the resistance was an inspiring example of patriotic behavior and bravery.
When the war was over, the Resistance executed about 9,000 French people who were working to help the Nazis. This included many members of the Milices, a fascist organization that helped Nazi Germany.
French Resistance Media
The Cross of Lorraine, chosen by General Charles de Gaulle as the symbol of the Resistance[1]
The cemetery and memorial in Vassieux-en-Vercors where, in July 1944, German Wehrmacht forces executed more than 200 people, in reprisal for the Maquis's armed resistance.[2] The town was later awarded the Ordre de la Libération.
Identity document of French Resistance fighter Lucien Pélissou
The ruins of Oradour-sur-Glane, in the Limousin region of the Massif Central
Antisemitic laws proclaimed in 1940
Resistance poster showing the increase in size of the resistance and French forces since 1939
Resistant prisoners in France, July 1944
Resistant prisoners in France, 1940
The French flag with the Cross of Lorraine, emblem of the Free French
Free French Generals Henri Giraud (left) and Charles de Gaulle sit down after shaking hands in the presence of Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill at the Casablanca Conference, on 14 January 1943.
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- ↑ Pharand 2001, p. 169.
- ↑ Kedward 1993, p. 180.