Les années interdites : auteurs, journalistes et artistes dans la Collaboration

In 1940, following the military defeat of France and the abolition of the Republic, many writers, artists and journalists showed loyalty to Marshal Petain by relaying Vichy propaganda or associating with the occupier. Some of this was born out of opportunism, but many also acted out of conviction. Less than five years later, all would have to answer for their choice in the courts of purification, those who, at least, did not find refuge abroad or argued "services rendered to the Resistance." There were those who were still fascinated by Hitler's Germany and were supporters of collaboration, for which some paid with their lives. Even more numerous were those who succeeded in concealing their "forbidden years" and enjoyed enviable post-war careers.