Marc Bloch, Strange Defeat

Marc Bloch documents the French defeat in World War II, recounting from his own personal experiences as a member in the French Resistance, as well as a soldier in both World Wars. Not only does Strange Defeat detail the French failure in World War II militarily, but also economically, and more important, socially. It provides a unique insight, objectively and informatively, into the manner of the downfall of France Marc Bloch took part in the …

…alike were selfish, careless, and complacent when war arrived. No intellectual preparations, no immediate armament, no civilian unity; this was the French basis going into war. For the French, World War II was not a complete war; it was a war of French individuals. And never was self- interest so costly as the French people in World War II. It led to the suppression of the French people and of their culture for three years.