World War II Legacy Examined in France

The First World War (1914-1918) was marked by complex alliances and the rise of nationalism, primarily triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The Central Powers, led by Germany and Austria-Hungary, engaged in horrific trench warfare, utilizing new technologies and suffering massive casualties in battles like the Somme and Verdun. In France, the 80th anniversary of D-Day has prompted discussions about the darker legacies of wartime experiences, including incidents of sexual violence by U.S. soldiers, as exemplified by the personal story of Michelle Salaün. Concurrently, narratives such as that of James Bond Harrell highlight the significant but often overlooked roles of individuals in the Transportation Corps during WWI. In educational settings, discussions about life in Occupied France during WWII continue to provide valuable insights into the human experience of war, as shared by speakers like Marie-Claude Hawkes. Together, these stories reflect on the multifaceted impacts of both World Wars on individuals and societies.