Jean-Pierre Azéma, Esteemed Historian of Vichy France, Passes Away at 87

Jean-Pierre Azéma, a pivotal figure in revising France's wartime history, died on July 14 at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of critical scholarship that confronted national illusions about the Vichy regime's stance during Nazi occupation.

Jean-Pierre Azéma, a distinguished historian known for illuminating France's problematic relationship with Nazi Germany during World War II, passed away in Paris on July 14 at the age of 87. His death was confirmed by the prestigiousInstitut d’Études Politiques (Sciences Po), where he had imparted knowledge for over three decades.

Emerging in the 1970s, Azéma was pivotal in challenging the national narrative that exonerated the Vichy government for its collaborationist actions. He was particularly notable for his meticulous research and candid writing, which dismantled the comforting myths that many in France held about the wartime regime and its leader, Marshal Philippe Pétain.

Through his influential work, including “De Munich à la Libération, 1938-1944,” Azéma labeled Pétain’s government a “phony regime”—a stark departure from the previously widespread view of its benevolence. He critiqued the regime for its authoritarian nature, which he characterized as defensive nationalism and elitism. Azéma’s explorations into the intricacies of the Vichy government encompassed a diverse range of perspectives, from fervent supporters of Pétain to opportunists seeking personal gain during tumultuous times.

His scholarly contributions ultimately surpassed even those of his contemporaries, marking a significant shift in the historiography of Vichy France. Azéma’s dedication to uncovering the unvarnished truth about this period has cemented his position as an essential figure in the understanding of France's wartime history.