Defeat and Division: France at War, 1939-1942

Defeat and Division provides a comprehensive account of France's experience in the Second World War, including its collapse in 1940, occupation, and the rise of Charles de Gaulle's Free France. It explores the conflicts within France, the reconstruction of military power, and the country's struggles against Axis occupation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 742 pages
Publication date: 25 August 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Defeat and Division presents a comprehensive and groundbreaking retelling of France's involvement in the Second World War. In this inaugural volume, Douglas Porch delves into the intricate details of France's collapse in 1940, the dynamics of occupation, and the emergence of Charles de Gaulle's Free France crusade, culminating in the Allied invasion of French North Africa in November 1942. Porch's work encompasses the broad spectrum of France's wartime experiences across Europe, Africa, and beyond, encompassing a diverse range of individuals, including soldiers, prisoners of war, civilians-in-arms, colonial subjects, and foreign refugees. He vividly recounts France's arduous journey to rebuild its military might amidst the backdrop of a global conflict, grappling with the fragmentation of its armed forces into rival factions and the country's occupation by the Axis powers. The disagreements surrounding the causes of the 1940 debacle and the subsequent need for an armistice reflected deep-seated divisions in politics, society, and the French military itself. Efforts to reconstitute French military power, however, faltered, leading to the emergence of Vichy collaboration, De Gaulle's exile resistance, the occupation struggles in Alsace-Moselle, and a fierce contest for imperial supremacy.
Defeat and Division presents a comprehensive and groundbreaking retelling of France's involvement in the Second World War. In this inaugural volume, Douglas Porch delves into the intricate details of France's collapse in 1940, the dynamics of occupation, and the emergence of Charles de Gaulle's Free France crusade, culminating in the Allied invasion of French North Africa in November 1942. Porch's work encompasses the broad spectrum of France's wartime experiences across Europe, Africa, and beyond, encompassing a diverse range of individuals, including soldiers, prisoners of war, civilians-in-arms, colonial subjects, and foreign refugees. He vividly recounts France's arduous journey to rebuild its military might amidst the backdrop of a global conflict, grappling with the fragmentation of its armed forces into rival factions and the country's occupation by the Axis powers. The disagreements surrounding the causes of the 1940 debacle and the subsequent need for an armistice reflected deep-seated divisions in politics, society, and the French military itself. Efforts to reconstitute French military power, however, faltered, leading to the emergence of Vichy collaboration, De Gaulle's exile resistance, the occupation struggles in Alsace-Moselle, and a fierce contest for imperial supremacy.

Porch's analysis highlights the complex interplay of political, social, and military factors that contributed to France's downfall in 1940. He examines the weaknesses and divisions within the French government, the military hierarchy's resistance to change, and the ideological conflicts that plagued the country. The occupation of France by the Axis powers further exacerbated these issues, as the German occupation regime imposed stringent control over the country and its resources.

Despite the challenges faced by France, Porch also showcases the resilience and determination of the French people. He recounts the heroic efforts of resistance movements, such as De Gaulle's Free France crusade, and the bravery of ordinary citizens who fought against the Axis forces. The book also provides a detailed account of France's efforts to rebuild its military power after the war, including the establishment of the French Resistance and the integration of former Vichy collaborators into the French military.

Defeat and Division is a seminal work that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on France's role in the Second World War. It provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the country's wartime experiences, from the collapse in 1940 to the emergence of Free France and the Allied invasion of French North Africa. Porch's analysis is nuanced and comprehensive, drawing on a wide range of sources and perspectives to shed light on the complex and multifaceted nature of France's wartime journey. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the history of World War II and the role of France in shaping its outcome.

Weight: 1186g
Dimension: 162 x 235 x 48 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781107047464