ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that the French soldiers agreed with the mobilisation order and were willing to fight the Germans. The morale of French soldiers was a continuing preoccupation during the Phoney War. The Etat-Major (EM) cared deeply about the mood in the army and traced its evolution using countless reports. The political world was also denounced. The Phoney War's unique nature became clear during the middle of September 1939. According to many superior officers, communists, socialists and members of the Government of the Third Republic were responsible for the demoralisation of French soldiers. From October 1939 to February 1940, French soldiers were hit by a form of winter depression. In November, the CP reported that morale had 'gone down quite a bit' and was 'seriously worse'. German inaction on the French front was indeed difficult to accept as the men were eager to fight and wanted to feel useful.
