General Petain

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General Petain

General Petain. French School

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 14150373

© David Cohen Fine Art/Mary Evans Picture Library

Petain Print

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative black and white portrait captures the stern and resolute visage of General Henri Philippe Pétain, one of the most controversial figures in French military history. The image, taken during World War I, shows Pétain in full military regalia, adorned with medals and insignia, exuding an air of authority and experience. Born in 1856, Pétain rose through the ranks of the French Army to become a respected military commander by the turn of the 20th century. When World War I broke out in 1914, he was placed in command of the Second Army and went on to achieve notable victories on the battlefield, most notably at Verdun in 1916. However, his tactics were often criticized for their high cost in human lives. In 1917, Pétain was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the French Army, and he implemented a defensive strategy that helped to stabilize the Western Front. However, his decision to sign an armistice with Germany in 1918, following the collapse of the German offensive at Verdun, was met with widespread criticism and led to his resignation from the military. Despite his military successes, Pétain's decision to collaborate with the Germans during World War II, and his subsequent role as the head of the Vichy regime, tarnished his reputation and led to his trial and execution for treason in 1945. This haunting portrait of Pétain, taken during his military prime, serves as a reminder of the complex and controversial legacy of this enigmatic figure in French history.

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