Conclusion

Abstract

The overall pattern to the popular protest of the occupation period is intriguing, and it tells us much about the relationship between the occupiers and the occupied, state and society, at this time. The first form of popular action taken was pillaging, in the weeks immediately following the German invasion. In fact, that is when pillaging was at its peak. It did not take long, however, for the population to begin the process of experimentation. Circumstances forced them to it. So we have seen, within months of the invasion, strikes, food riots and theft, as well as the establishment of the black market. As well, the resistance movements began to form at this time, and the first clandestine newspapers hit the streets by October 1940. And the harsh winter of 1940–1 was one of sweeping protest in a number of venues. This was the period in which the Germans were preoccupied with the war effort. After quickly subduing Western Europe, they had turned to the East, and in June 1941, invaded the Soviet Union. That invasion did not go well, and by January 1942, it was clear that the war was not going to end quickly. For northern France, this meant that the Germans were preoccupied elsewhere almost from the moment of occupation until January 1942. This preoccupation may well have contributed to an environment in which the populace felt secure enough to risk protesting.