On June 17, 1940, during the throes of World War II, the French government, led by Prime Minister Paul Reynaud, resigned after days of German advances. Marshal Philippe Pétain, who took over from Reynaud, immediately announced his intent to seek an armistice with Nazi Germany. This decision marked the beginning of the end for independent French resistance in the early years of World War II and led to the establishment of the Vichy government, which collaborated with Nazi Germany. This day in 1940 is a somber reminder of the harsh realities and complexities of wartime decision-making.
