WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -This was called the Unbesetztes Gebiet (Unoccupied Zone) by the Germans, and known as the Zone libre (Free Zone) in France, or less formally as the “Southern Zone” (zone du sud) especially after Operation Anton, the invasion of the Zone libre by German forces in November 1942.

Detailed explanation-2: -The German troops occupied the northern half of the country, taking 2 million French soldiers as prisoners of war, while the French government worked from its new base in Vichy, a spa city in the center of the country.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Government of Vichy France was the collaborationist ruling regime or government in Nazi-occupied France during the Second World War.

Detailed explanation-4: -Starting from this date, Vichy would be, for more than four years, the de facto capital of the French State. Paris was still the official capital, although the Vichy France government never operated from there. This government is often called the Vichy Regime.

Detailed explanation-5: -Vichy was allowed to control its foreign colonies-to the extent it could defend them against the Free French-as well as its fleet, to the extent it could defend it against British naval attacks. The small town of Montoire-sur-le-Loir was the scene of two meetings.