Verdict on Vichy : power and prejudice in the Vichy France regime

Despite postwar claims to the contrary, the Vichy regime was part of French history and modern France bears responsibility for its policies. Describes Vichy' anti-Jewish policy in the context of nationwide collaboration with the Nazis. In carrying out this policy, the regime acted as an autonomous force rather than a servile follower of Nazi orders. Although Vichy did not intend to eradicate all the Jews in France but only to exclude them from French life in some way, its measures contributed to the Nazi genocide. Dwells on the prewar and wartime French radical right organizations that helped shape Vichy policy; the anti-Jewish laws and their implementation in France and North Africa; the Aryanization of Jewish property; Vichy's concentration camps; and Jewish and non-Jewish reactions to the anti-Jewish policies, especially the reactions of the Churches. Draws attention to rescue and resistance attempts. Discusses postwar trials against collaborators, some of whom were punished only symbolically. Includes bibliographical references and index. 419 pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations, maps, portraits ; 24 cm