Marshal Henri Philippe Pétain was appointed Chief of State of Vichy France on June 16, 1940, during a tumultuous time in French history as World War II unfolded. Following the rapid defeat of France by German military forces in May and June of that year, the French government faced immense pressure to respond to the dire circumstances. The French Army suffered a swift and overwhelming defeat, leading to the signing of an armistice with Germany that resulted in northern and western France being occupied by German forces while the southern part of France became a nominally independent regime under Pétain's leadership in Vichy. Pétain, who was widely revered as a national hero from World War I, was favored for this leadership role due to his military background and his promises of restoring peace and order to a war-weary population. Under his leadership, the Vichy regime established a centralized authoritarian government, promoting conservative social values and actively collaborating with the Nazis.The establishment of the Vichy government marked a departure from the previous republican ideals, as it implemented policies that included the suppression of civil liberties, the dissolution of trade unions, and the enactment of anti-Semitic laws. Pétain’s government sought legitimacy through patriotism and appealed to the French populace by portraying itself as a means of unification and defense against external threats. However, this collaboration with Nazi Germany led to profound divisions within French society and ultimately resulted in resistance movements forming across the country. These included the Free French Forces led by Charles de Gaulle, who opposed Pétain's regime and sought to restore the values of the French Republic.The regime remained in power until the liberation of France in 1944, leading to Pétain's arrest and trial. The legacy of Vichy France continues to evoke deep historical debates regarding collaboration, resistance, and national identity in France.