Between Vichy France and Fascist Italy: Redefining Identity and the Enemy in Corsica During the Second World War.

This article explores how the fear of annexation by Fascist Italy meant that for Corsica the Second World War became a battle to remain French. Rather than developing a stronger French identity in opposition to Italy, however, conflicting affinities and grievances produced a stronger Corsican identity in opposition to France. Vichy France therefore found itself fighting against long-standing Corsican tensions, Italian territorial ambitions and the demands of Nazi Germany. For Fascist Italy, the struggle for Corsica exposed its inferiority complex towards Vichy France and Nazi Germany, as well as the contradictions of an irredentist foreign policy and a reluctant occupying army. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Copyright of Journal of Contemporary History is the property of Sage Publications, Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)