Nazi Occupation of Paris with a Historian

Learn the essential history of Paris's occupation, resistance, and liberation with a WWII expert
US$27
Preview Lecture
US$27
Watch on your schedule, you will receive a link to watch the lecture online immedately upon purchase.
Duration
55 minutes
Product Type
Lecture
Venues
  • Champs-Elysées
  • Place de la Concorde
Lecture Details
Photos & Highlights
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Lecture Description
The Nazi Occupation of Paris is one of the most studied yet misunderstood chapters in French history. Described as "the dark years" by much of the post-war generation, the story of the City of Light under Nazi rule oscillates between fact and fiction, nationalist and collaborationist myths. From Gaullist and communist resistance members, to collaborators, to Americans, the differing narratives of how and why the Nazis were able to hold onto Paris for over 1,500 days continues to perplex and fascinate. In this talk, we will debunk myths, discover crucial characters, and learn why and how the occupation came about.  
Meet Your Expert
Samuél

Samuél is a published novelist and musician who has lived in Paris since 2008. He holds an M.A. in European Society from University College London & an MFA in creative writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Samuél teaches creative writing at the Sorbonne, hosts the Paris Writers' Salon with a local literary legend John Baxter, and is also a singer/songwriter. Samuél's first novel, "Slim and The Beast" (Inkshares, 2015) is a coming of age story set in North Carolina. His second novel, "The Requisitions" (Kingdom Anywhere, 2024) is a historical metafiction about history, memory, and the Nazi Occupation of Poland.

Led by Samuél Lopez-Barrantes, a novelist with a master's degree in Holocaust Studies, this interdisciplinary lecture focuses on the historical facts and various narratives that continue to define the history of France under Nazi rule. Divided into three parts (Occupation / Resistance / Liberation), we will learn about the ways in which Parisian society first acclimated, then resisted, and ultimately rejected their occupiers during the last week of the occupation. From Charles de Gaulle's speeches to the diary of a young Jewish student, Helen Berr, to the German General Von Choltitz's diplomatic dealings with the Americans in the final days of occupation, this introductory lecture provides insight into the crucial events that defined the Nazi Occupation of Paris (1940-1944), offering both an overview as well as timely reflections on the complicated grey zone of ethics surrounding bystanders, resistance, and outright collaboration.
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Is closed captioning (i.e. subtitles) available?
Yes! All of our lectures have the option to turn on closed captioning should you have difficulty hearing the expert.

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Our recorded lectures typically run for 60 minutes.

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Absolutely! Gift cards can be purchased here. Gift cards are good for 365 days from the date of purchase.
(4.93) 15 Reviews

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That was fantastic. Samuel’s thoughtful presentation about the Nazi Occupation was well prepared and presented. I look forward to doing the Context tour in September, better informed than I was before I watched and listened to this talk.
very informative and well structured on a delicate subject Thank you
It was a very interesting lecture. I learnt a lot about the occupation. I am coming to Paris in September and doing the Nazi Occupation tour of Paris. Really looking forward to learning more.