What was it like to live in Paris during World War I?

Wealth and collaboration with the Nazis helped preserve life for a certain elite as thousands of French Jews were sent to the death camps. ... read more

Parisians entered the First World War in August 1914 on a wave of patriotic fervor, but within a few weeks Paris was close to the front lines, and was bombarded by German aircraft and artillery. The Parisians endured food shortages, rationing, and an epidemic of influenza, but morale remained high until near the end of the war. read more

The suggestion is implied that Paris, with its historical, cultural and entertainment value, is to become the chief centre of recreation and relaxation for the German overlords of the future, and that France will thereby be contributing a valuable part in the future working of the New Order in Europe. read more

The pictures were bought by the Historical Library of the city of Paris 'Bibliothèque Historique de la Ville de Paris' in 1986. At last it was like so much else that happened in France during World War II, the Nazi occupation of Paris was something entirely more complex and ambiguous than has generally been understood. read more