From French Hero to Nazi Puppet
The extraordinary life of Philippe Pétain
Marshal of France Philippe Pétain (1856–1951) was one of the few figures to play an important role in both world wars. In the First World War, he was one of the most important military leaders, which brought him much fame and popularity. In the Second World War, his role was very controversial, as head of the collaborating Vichy regime.
Philippe Pétain was the son of simple farmers in Artois. That he could become an officer was purely due to his ability and commitment. The first forty years of his military career were not impressive. He was an excellent officer, was known to be intelligent and had gained a good reputation as a teacher of tactics at the Higher School of War. However, his views on a future war clashed with those of the French army command.
The army command stated that in the war everything would depend on the attack, the offensive. Pétain defended the pessimistic position that the increased strength of the artillery would smother every attack in blood. It would not advance his career.
He also suffered setbacks in his private life. Several marriage proposals with a…
