Pearson, Chris, 1979-. (2012) La politique environnementale de Vichy. Vingtieme Siecle, Vol.113 (No.1). pp. 41-50. ISSN 0294-1759

Abstract

This article explores the environmental history of Vichy France. It argues that the Vichy regime engaged with the environment in a variety of often contradictory ways. As it strove to remake France in line with its reactionary worldview and to draw the maximum amount of resources from the soil, it appropriated forests, mountains and fields. At the same time, it launched a "war against wasteland" and attempted to cultivate the entire French environment. But overall, Vichy’s various policies failed. In line with other historical research that demonstrates that Vichy was not a parenthesis in French history, this article argues that Vichy’s environmental policies had precedents and successors in French history. Moreover, its policies echoed those pursued in other countries during the Second World War. Key words: Vichy, environment, forests, back-to-the-land, Resistance.

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