The relationship between Canada and France has always been complicated by the Canadian federal government's relations with Quebec. In this first study of Franco-Canadian relations during the Second World War, Olivier Courteaux demonstrates how Canada's wartime foreign policy was shaped by the country's internal divides.

As Courteaux shows, Quebec's vocal nationalist minority came to openly support France's fascist Vichy regime and resented Canada's involvement in a 'British' war, while English Canada was largely sympathetic to de Gaulle's Free French movement and accepted its duty to aid embattled Mother Britain. Meanwhile, on the world stage, Canada deftly juggled ties with both French factions to appease Great Britain and the United States before eventually giving full support to the Free French movement.

Courteaux concludes this extensively detailed study by illustrating Canada's vital role in helping France reassert its position on the global stage after 1944. Filled with international intrigue and larger-than-life characters, Canada between Vichy and Free France adds greatly to our comprehension of Canada's foreign relations and political history.

"Canada between Vichy and Free France analyzes Franco-Canadian wartime relations in much more extensive detail than any other work, with arguments that are persuasive, developed convincingly, and skilfully woven together in a way that is itself innovative and informative. This book makes a significant contribution to our understanding of Canadian history during the Second World War." -- Robin Gendron, Department of History, Nipissing University

About the Author
Olivier Courteaux is an assistant professor in the Department of History at the Royal Military College of Canada.

Reviews
'Highly recommended. All academic levels/libraries.' -- J.L. Granatstein * Choice Magazine; vol 51:07:14 *



Book Information
ISBN 9781442612785
Author Oliver Courteaux
Format Paperback
Page Count 280
Imprint University of Toronto Press
Publisher University of Toronto Press
Weight(grams) 400g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 155mm * 18mm