Would People in Vichy France Have to Say ‘Heil Hitler’?

With the occupation of France during World War II, the Vichy regime was established as the collaborationist government of France controlled by Nazi Germany. However, it is a common question to ponder whether people in Vichy France would have been compelled to say 'Heil Hitler', especially given the strong anti-German sentiment shared by most French citizens. This article delves into the reality of the situation and explores the nuances of social etiquette and political control during this tumultuous period.

The Vichy Regime and Its Struggles for Autonomy

The Vichy France, officially known as the Etat Francais de Vichy, attempted to assert a degree of autonomy from the Nazi regime. Despite their political alignment and desire for collaboration, the French population maintained significant animosity towards the Germans (Nos. 1 and 2).

Marshal Petain was the leader of Vichy France, who sought to appease the German occupying forces while maintaining a semblance of sovereignty. The regime's efforts to appear separate and distinct from Nazi Germany were, however, largely superficial.

The German Salute and Its Reception in Vichy France

It is essential to clarify that Germany recognized the Vichy state as a semi-independent entity and had no official policy requiring subject peoples to adopt German-pattern social greetings. While the German salute was a common form of greeting in Nazi-occupied territories, Vichy France was not uniformly compelled to adopt it (Nos. 1 and 2).

Radio Paris, a Vichy-controlled broadcaster, played a significant role in shaping public opinion and maintaining the appearance of German influence. For instance, Jean Herold Paquis, a prominent figure on Radio Paris, delivered anti-British and anti-Semitic messages, often in a confrontational manner. His words, such as “Il faut que l’Angleterre comme Carthage soit détruite et sa population exterminée!”, reflect the regime's harsh rhetoric and the deep-seated resentment towards the British and the Jews (Fourth paragraph).

Georgian Jokes and Social Etiquette

Contrary to popular belief, there were instances where the German occupation brought about some entertainment and even jokes among the French population. One example involves German troops using humorous nicknames when referring to French units, such as Zwei Liter (Two Liter) or Halb Liter (Half Liter) instead of the infamous salute. These jokes served as a subtle form of resistance and a release from the oppressive situation (Third paragraph).

Conclusion

The Vichy France, despite its collaboration with Nazi Germany, did not uniformly impose the German salute on the population. Although some Vichy officials may have adopted the Nazi salute as a form of ingratiating themselves to the Germans, this did not apply universally to the French citizenry. The Vichy regime, while seeking to maintain some degree of autonomy, ultimately succumbed to the demands of the occupying forces but did not enforce the German salute as a social standard.

The period of Vichy France remains a complex and challenging part of French history. Understanding the nuances of social and political control during this time can provide insight into the broader context of World War II and the diverse experiences of the French population under occupation.

Keywords: Vichy France, Heil Hitler, German Salute, World War II