The Vichy Regime
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- Start Date: 30 Oct 2025End Date: 13 Nov 2025Thu (Daytime): 15:00 - 17:00In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 3 sessions (over -3 weeks)Course Code: HEH32Tutors: Sebastien ArdouinFull fee £79.00 Senior fee £63.00 Concession £51.00
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What is the course about?
Born out of the defeat of 1940, the Vichy regime is one of the darkest periods in French history. Even if Marshal Pétain pretended he was sheltering the country from excessive demands by the Nazis, the government and administration offered themselves to the service of the enemy, often for the worst.
What will we cover?
The 1940 defeat and its consequences: the collapse of the Republic and the emergence of the French State (Vichy regime)
A new France: dictatorship, social and economic reorganisation, and public morality
Repression, exclusion and persecutions
Collaboration: initial objectives and reality (1940-1942)
The full participation of Vichy to the Nazi war effort (1942-1944)
Legacy and memories of the Vichy regime: how to deal with France’s darkest hour?
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
List the key characteristics of the Vichy regime
List the key groups vying for power in Vichy
Explain why the Vichy regime initiated its policy of collaboration with Nazi Germany
Discuss constructively the outcomes of state collaboration
Analyse the responsibility of the Vichy regime in the persecution, deportation and extermination of Jews
Analyse why France struggled with the legacy and memories of Vichy after the war.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an 'introductory' level course. No specific knowledge needed, although some background information on and interest in France in general, would be helpful.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be a combination of lecture and group discussions. The class will be supported by PowerPoint presentations and handouts.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring pen and paper.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HEH33 The French Resistance during the Second World War.
After under- and post-graduate studies in Politics and History in both France and the UK, Sébastien settled in London. He has been teaching at the City Lit since 2001. Over the years, he has covered many different subjects, including politics, history, economy and culture of Latin America, French modern history, European history, global issues and current affairs. In his classes, Sébastien hopes to give learners the skills, tools and information that can help them not only to make sense of the world we live in but also to understand the origins of the key issues we face.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.