Philippe Pétain (1856

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Biography

Henri Philippe Bénoni Omer Joseph Pétain, better known as Marshal Pétain, was a French military officer who commanded the French Army in World War I and later became the head of the collaborationist regime of Vichy France, from 1940 to 1944, during World War II.

Timeline

The story of Philippe Pétain, told in moments.

1916 Event

Took command of the defense of Verdun. His order "They shall not pass" became the French rallying cry. The battle lasted ten months. Nearly 700,000 men were killed or wounded on both sides.

What did 'They shall not pass' mean to you personally? How do you command men through ten months at Verdun? Did 700,000 casualties weigh on you?

1940 Event

Named head of the Vichy government after France fell to Germany. He was 84. He signed the armistice and collaborated with Nazi Germany. His regime deported 76,000 Jews.

How do you go from hero of Verdun to collaborator? Did you believe you were protecting France by signing the armistice? Do you accept responsibility for the 76,000 deported Jews?

1945 Event

Put on trial for treason. Found guilty and sentenced to death. Charles de Gaulle, his former protege, commuted the sentence to life imprisonment.

What was it like being judged by men you once outranked? Did de Gaulle's commutation feel like mercy or contempt? Were you guilty in your own mind?

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