France on Trial

France on Trial by Julian Jackson offers a gripping and meticulously researched examination of one of the most troubling and divisive chapters in French history. Set against the backdrop of the Second World War, this compelling narrative delves into the trial of Marshal Philippe Pétain, a revered First World War hero who later became a symbol of betrayal and collaboration with Nazi Germany. Through Pétain's three-week trial in July 1945, the book unravels the complexities and controversies surrounding the Vichy regime and its leader's actions during the tumultuous years of 1940 to 1944.

Jackson, one of the leading contemporary historians of France, masterfully uses the trial as a lens to explore the defeat of France in 1940, the subsequent signing of the armistice with Germany, and the notorious policy of collaboration under Vichy rule. He delves deep into the psyche of a nation grappling with its recent past and the profound scars left by those years of occupation and collaborationism. Pétain, who once stood tall as a national hero, saw his legacy tarnished as he became the focal point of collective guilt and a channel for post-war retribution.

One of the most striking moments in French history, the image of Pétain shaking hands with Adolf Hitler on 24 October 1940, shocked many and signified the beginning of France's collaboration era. This event and Pétain's subsequent radio address, in which he stated, "It is I alone who will be judged by History," set the stage for the intense scrutiny and eventual trial he faced after the war. Jackson provides a detailed and nuanced account of the trial, examining the roles of various national factions and the complex interplay between personal drama and political manoeuvring.

In France on Trial, Jackson blends historical analysis with human drama, offering readers a vivid portrayal of the key figures involved and the fraught atmosphere of post-occupation France. The book is not just a biography of Pétain but also a broader exploration of how France sought to come to terms with its past, reconcile its divided factions, and carve a path forward after the liberation. The main prosecutor at the trial, Mornet, described the period of the Vichy regime as "four years to erase from our history," capturing the depth of the desire to move beyond this dark chapter.

Through this powerful and evocative narrative, Jackson brings to life the intense courtroom scenes, the impassioned arguments, and the conflicting emotions that gripped the nation. He skillfully unpacks the layered histories and moral dilemmas faced by those who lived through the era, providing readers with a profound understanding of the impact of the Occupation and the Vichy regime on contemporary France.

France on Trial is a seminal work that offers a balanced, insightful, and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most controversial periods in twentieth-century French history. It is an essential read for anyone interested in World War II, French history, or the moral complexities of collaboration and resistance.