Resistance against the occupier

Resistance against the occupier was more widespread and structured than collaboration. One should be wary, however, of accepting an idealised vision of the populations’ resistance to the enemy occupation. The occupying forces savagely repressed spontaneous demonstrations of resistance: insults against the occupier, refusal to obey or refusal simply to pay deference. Networks quickly developed. Newspapers were printed, relaying information broadcast by radio from Paris. Local residents concealed French soldiers; English airmen were given assistance and repatriated to Great Britain; strategic information was passed on to the Allied forces.