Capítulo 208: Chapter 286 France's Surrender
During the late Song Dynasty and early Yuan Dynasty, there was a tragic figure named Xia Gui. Initially, a lifelong warrior dedicated to resisting the Yuan Dynasty, he was a distinguished hero. However, at the age of 79, he tragically surrendered to the Yuan, leading to the complete defeat of the Song army and the first-ever downfall of the Han nationality.
Similarly, there exists a "traitor" in world history who makes one wonder, "What was he thinking?" This person is the infamous Henry Philippe Pétain, the "traitor" of France.
On August 14, 1945, Pétain was sentenced to death for treason, mirroring Xia Gui's fate of late disgrace.
Pétain's life exemplifies the saying, "The best is yet to come." As a professional soldier, he enlisted at 20 but remained relatively unknown in the military for over thirty years, only reaching the rank of a modest Colonel Commander at 58.
However, as Pétain was about to retire, the outbreak of World War I in 1914 dramatically altered his trajectory. With outstanding achievements, he was rapidly promoted from a regimental commander to a corps commander.
At the age of 60, he commanded the famous Battle of Verdun, successfully thwarting the German plan to "make the French bleed". Following this victory, propelled by intense French media coverage, Pétain became a nationwide hero. Throughout subsequent battles, he continued to achieve remarkable success, ultimately becoming the French Army Chief and Marshal of the Republic by the end of World War I.
Had Pétain faded into historical obscurity during the "long interwar period" between World War I and II, he could have become one of the most respected national heroes in French history, alongside figures like Napoleon and Charles de Gaulle.
However, fate dealt Pétain an unexpected hand, and at over 80, he remained sharp and vigorous. Witnessing the outbreak of World War II, where a resurgent Germany swiftly conquered France, Pétain's actions during the country's imminent defeat were shocking. He assumed the role of Prime Minister in the final moments of France's resistance, orchestrated France's surrender to Germany, and later served as the "Chief of State" of the pro-German "Vichy government", enduring five years of humiliation under German dominance.
After World War II, Pétain was rightfully condemned as a traitor, sentenced to death for treason amid widespread public condemnation.
At this moment, the "traitor" sits silently in his spacious office, staring at the documents on his desk – a reply received an hour ago from a special envoy sent to Germany. It's a response from the German Crown Prince.
Surprisingly, considering the efficiency of German intelligence, de Gaulle's defection was already known. By the time de Gaulle boarded the plane, the German Crown Prince, Wilhelm, had discussed the matter with the envoy.
Wilhelm seems to suspect that the French high command is playing a double game, attempting to preserve France's strength and status regardless of who wins the war. Pétain could genuinely swear that he despises de Gaulle. Many military officers shared discontent with this pro-British war hawk, who naively believed that U.S. aid would quickly arrive, reverting the war to the conditions of World War I.
Upon Prime Minister Paul Reynaud's resignation, Pétain replaced him and promptly marginalized de Gaulle from the government. Moreover, Pétain kept a close watch on de Gaulle to prevent any disturbances at this critical moment of an impending ceasefire.
Because Pétain deeply understood that this war was completely different from the previous one. In the last war, they could afford to fight on others' or even on their own barren land. But now? Where could they fight? Paris? Lyon? Châlons? Dijon? Rouen? If they fought in these places for a few years, what would be left of France even if they won?
However, he had never expected that the bastard de Gaulle would take the opportunity, while seeing off the British envoy, to board the already taxiing British plane. The accompanying French officials were dumbfounded, watching the plane fly farther away, utterly helpless.
After all, openly defecting in a diplomatic setting was quite rare. Pétain considered himself neither a cunning politician nor a political simpleton, understanding the risks of betting on both sides.
Moreover, he had his analysis of the current and post-war world order. For instance, if they truly won with American assistance, and if the U.S. government had no intention of supporting France to counterbalance Britain and the Soviet Union, then they would designate the puppet France as the legitimate dynasty in French history. The exiled de Gaulle government could not represent France, and defeated France would be treated accordingly.
If Germany emerged victorious and had no plans to establish a puppet France, he could insist that the exiled de Gaulle government was the legitimate one. Therefore, the key was to prove your value to the most powerful victorious nation, giving you a favorable position. Otherwise, betting on both sides, no matter who wins, could be used against you by the hostile party.
A sudden, urgent knocking interrupted the old man lost in thought. "Come in."
The secretary entered, his expression not looking good. After hesitating for a moment, he reported, "Marshal... Your Excellency, General de Gaulle is giving a speech in England."
De Gaulle? Pétain also wanted to hear what this damn traitor was up to! "Turn on the radio."
As soon as de Gaulle landed, he was taken to the Prime Minister's residence in Britain. Prime Minister Churchill personally received him, promising immediate support for organizing resistance movements and allowing him to make a speech on the radio.
"I want to tell you, France has not been defeated. One day, we will use the same means currently defeating us to turn the tables. I, General Charles de Gaulle, am now broadcasting from London. I urge all French officials and soldiers currently or in the future on British soil, whether armed or not, to contact me. I appeal to technicians or skilled workers with weapons manufacturing expertise, currently or in the future on British soil, to contact me. No matter what happens, we will not allow the flames of the French resistance to be extinguished, and the flames will never be extinguished!"
Listening to the enthusiastic voice of the defector on the broadcast, Pétain was so angry that his hands trembled. He wished he could drag de Gaulle out of the radio and trample on him.
This bastard was determined to push France into desperation!!
After finally calming the anger in his heart, he hoarsely gave the order. "Telegraph the envoy, we accept the conditions proposed by Germany."
This time, France was defeated, but there were advantages to this defeat. The rapid collapse allowed France to preserve its core, stabilizing the situation. Exiting this world war in the fastest and easiest way seemed not such bad news for the French people.
Wilhelm received the French envoy in his office. After hearing the envoy's words, he nodded slightly. "Marshal Pétain has indeed made a wise decision. After we pacify England, the French people will be grateful to him."
"Miss Anna, I want to convene a military meeting. Also, notify Reinhard that 'Operation Queen' can be executed at any time. Additionally, inform His Majesty of this news and inquire whether he wants to attend the surrender ceremony." According to the original timeline, Wilhelm II had a little over a year to live. However, from the photos he sent back last time, he looked quite well. Being carefree with his loved ones, perhaps he would live longer than the original timeline anticipated.
"Your Highness!"
"All rise! Salute!!"
With a command, countless arms were raised in unison in the vast conference room.
"Hail House of Hohenzollern!"
"Hail House of Hohenzollern!"
"Hail House of Hohenzollern!"
Deafening salutes filled the office. However, unlike usual, today's salutes didn't seem to intend to stop, one being louder than the previous. Wilhelm, of course, knew that they were expressing their respect for him and the joy of victory.
He raised his hand, gesturing several times to gradually quiet down the voices.
"Congratulations, my Lord. The France that couldn't be conquered for four years in the last war has now lowered its proud head in less than two months under your wise leadership. This is a glorious and great victory never seen in German history, and your achievements will be recorded in the annals of history." Rundstedt's face was full of excitement and joy as he spoke loudly.
Wilhelm smiled faintly. "Gentlemen, what I want to say is that Poland and France were just warm-up battles for us. The real war is just beginning now."
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