ABSTRACT
On16June1940PresidentLebrunappointedMarshallPetain,aheroof theFirstWorldWar,asPrimeMinister.On22JunePetainsawnoalternativetoconcludinganarmisticewithGermany.TheGermanarmywas tooccupynorthernFranceforthedurationofthewar(whichitwas anticipatedwouldcontinueonlyuntilBritaintoosuedforpeace-the BritishsurrenderwasexpectedtoquicklyfollowthatofFrance).Inthe meantime,aFrenchprovisionalgovernmentwassetupintheprovincial townofVichy,whichwastoadministertherestofFrance.
