German Soldiers and the Occupation of France, 1940–1944

The lives of ordinary German soldiers offer new insights into the occupation of France, the history of Nazism and the Second World War.

Julia S. Torrie (Author)

9781108457590, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 13 February 2020

290 pages
23 x 15.3 x 2 cm, 0.46 kg

'… an important and innovative study …' Sina Fabian, H-Soz-u-Kult

From 1940 to 1944, German soldiers not only fought in and ruled over France, but also lived their lives there. While the combat experiences of German soldiers are relatively well-documented, as are the everyday lives of the occupied French population, we know much less about occupiers' daily activities beyond combat, especially when it comes to men who were not top-level administrators. Using letters, photographs, and tour guides, alongside official sources, Julia S. Torrie reveals how ground-level occupiers understood their role, and how their needs and desires shaped policy and practices. At the same time as soldiers were told to dominate and control France, they were also encouraged to sight-see, to photograph and to 'consume' the country, leading to a familiarity that limited violence rather than inciting it. The lives of these ordinary soldiers offer new insights into the occupation of France, the history of Nazism and the Second World War.

List of figures
Acknowledgements
List of recurring personalities
List of abbreviations
Map
Introduction
1. Occupations past and present
2. Consuming the tastes and pleasures of France
3. Touring and writing about occupied land
4. Capturing experiences: photography and photo books
5. Rising tensions
6. Westweich? Perceptions of 'softness' among soldiers in France
7. Twilight of the gods
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Second World War [HBWQ], 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000 [HBLW], European history [HBJD]