Was the Vichy Regime Fascist?

Abstract: A 3 page essay that examines the scholarship of historian Robert O. Paxton, who addresses the question of whether or not French government during the German occupation was fascist. Putting the answer simply, Paxton answers "yes," that "In the broader sense, Vichy was fascist" (233). However, he also insists in placing Vichy fascism within the overall framework of French history. For Paxton, the primary focus of the Vichy regime was nationalistic and in reaction to the goals of the Third Republic, rather than an accommodation of any Nazi ideology. Examination of Paxton's perspective shows that he places Vichy fascism in relation to a continuum that shows shades of difference between French experience and that of Italy or Germany. No additional sources cited.

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Catagory:

Subcatagory: European History

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