During a period of intense conflict in World War II, Tulle, a town in France, became the site of a horrific act of reprisal executed by German troops. Following a series of attacks against German forces by the French Resistance, specifically the local maquisards, the occupying forces sought to impose severe repercussions to deter further insurgent activities. On June 9, German troops responded to the attacks by rounding up civilians in Tulle, arbitrarily selecting ninety-nine individuals who were subsequently hanged from lampposts and balconies throughout the town.

The event underscores the lengths to which occupying powers would go to suppress resistance movements. The chosen individuals were largely innocent civilians, a stark reminder of the brutal consequences of war on ordinary lives. The public nature of the executions served as a grim spectacle intended to instill terror among the residents of Tulle and surrounding areas. The tactic aimed not only to punish those involved but also to send a clear warning to other would-be resistors of the imminent dangers of such actions against the German military.

As the resistance efforts proliferated in France during the war, events like these became increasingly common, highlighting the harsh reality of life under occupation. Communities were often caught in a deadly struggle between opposing forces, leading to widespread tragedy and suffering. This incident in Tulle remains emblematic of the countless atrocities committed during World War II, illustrating the personal and social ramifications of military reprisals against civilian populations.