WWII History Lecture: The War Within a War, The British Empire v. Vichy France
Schedule
Thu Jan 08 2026 at 07:00 pm to 08:30 pm
UTC-06:00Location
East Bank Regional Library | Metairie, LA
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Historian Cyril Lagvanec, PhD, will deliver a lecture titled “The War Within a War” on Tuesday, January 8, 7 pm, at the East Bank Regional Library (4747 W. Napoleon Ave. in Metairie).This event is free of charge and is open to the public.
This lecture focuses on the intense rivalries between the British Empire and the government of Vichy France (technically neutral) when the two became adversaries after France’s 1940 collapse, and involving violent clashes in Syria, Lebanon, Madagascar and North Africa.
Both sides vied for control of French colonial territories and resources. While it was afraid of Axis expansion, Britain acted decisively to neutralize French assets (fleet, colonies) that could aid Germany. Ideologically, Vichy France, led by Marshal Pétain, embraced authoritarianism and collaboration, while Free French forces under Charles de Gaulle fought alongside the British, creating internal French conflict.
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Where is it happening?
East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W Napoleon Ave,Metairie, Louisiana, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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