Le Maréchal de France PHILIPPE PÉTAIN CHEF de l’État Français – “Marshal of France Philippe Pétain, Head of the French State” – two propaganda booklets intended to glorify the name of Philippe Pétain, published in the early months after he accepted the surrender terms of Nazi Germany and turned France into a puppet government dictated by the Nazi occupier. The two booklets include transcripts of speeches he delivered, words of praise, and photographs portraying Pétain as a revered leader and a family man. France, 1940.
On June 22, 1940, the French signed the surrender document drafted by the Germans. The document declared 60% of France’s territory as occupied (northern France and the Atlantic coast, which the Germans needed in order to continue the war against England). The remaining 40% came under the control of Pétain’s government. Thus, the Vichy Republic was effectively established—a product of shared interests between Hitler and the French defeatists. The Vichy regime operated in every sense as a German puppet government. Key figures such as Darlan even held SS ranks and swore allegiance to Hitler. Shortly thereafter, the first booklet before us was published, praising Pétain and presenting transcripts of various speeches he delivered between June and October 1940. This was followed by a second booklet in a similar format covering the months of October to December, featuring transcripts of speeches he gave during that period as well as photographs not included in the first booklet.
In the speeches by Pétain presented in the two booklets, he explains why he accepted Nazi Germany’s surrender agreement. From these speeches emerges the narrative he conveyed to the French public: that the real threat facing France lay not in the defeat by the Nazis—which should be regarded as an accomplished fact—but in internal social issues and the potential rise of radical social elements. Among other things, he attacks England for striking French ships: “France, defeated in heroic battles, abandoned yesterday, has been attacked today by England, for whom she sacrificed so much…”.
In his addresses, Pétain sought to soften public opposition to his defeatist approach: “I want people to know that I understand their impatience, and their anger, but may it be that these French citizens think with me, sincerely, calmly, in the spirit of justice that lives so deeply within them, about the unprecedented challenges of our mission…”.
Also included are Pétain’s remarks on education, culture, politics, the French worker, “in the service of France”, a review of his visits across the country accompanied by numerous photographs of adoring crowds, his views on domestic policy, and more—all intended to portray him as a worthy leader despite the defeatist path he chose in forging an alliance with Nazi Germany.
Henri Philippe Pétain [1856–1951], Prime Minister of Vichy France, which collaborated with Nazi Germany. A French military leader and statesman who rose to fame during World War I as the defender of France. Following France’s military defeat in World War II, Pétain headed Vichy France. He served as a puppet ruler who effectively carried out Nazi Germany’s plans. After Germany’s defeat in the war, he was tried for treason and sentenced to death, but due to his advanced age, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment, during which he died. The Vichy government and Pétain, who led it, are regarded as complicit in the Holocaust of French Jewry.
Booklet June–October 1940: 44 pp. 24×15 cm. Minor stains on the cover.
Booklet October–December 1940: 48 [2] pp. 24×15 cm. Small tear on the right side of the cover.
Apart from minor flaws on the covers, both booklets are in very good condition.
