THREE MUSKETEERS: 1941
What was it like?
Nazi-occupied was a study in contradictions. More than anything, Nazis wanted to feel like they were having an authentic experience of Paris, so they demanded that the theaters and high-scale hotels and shops remain open. Brothels flourished under the Occupation.
At the same time, Parisians faced immense shortages and rationing. Rationing of food, tobacco, coal and clothing was imposed from September 1940. Every year the supplies grew more scarce and the prices higher. A curfew was in effect from nine in the evening until five in the morning; at night, the city went dark. The French press and radio broadcast only German propaganda. Paris restaurants were open but had to deal with strict regulations and shortages. Meat could only be served on certain days, and certain products, such as cream, coffee and fresh produce were extremely rare.
For descriptions of the Occupation in the Parisian's own words, read their diaries!
At the same time, Parisians faced immense shortages and rationing. Rationing of food, tobacco, coal and clothing was imposed from September 1940. Every year the supplies grew more scarce and the prices higher. A curfew was in effect from nine in the evening until five in the morning; at night, the city went dark. The French press and radio broadcast only German propaganda. Paris restaurants were open but had to deal with strict regulations and shortages. Meat could only be served on certain days, and certain products, such as cream, coffee and fresh produce were extremely rare.
For descriptions of the Occupation in the Parisian's own words, read their diaries!
Jews under occupation
From the very beginning of the Occupation, Jews in Paris were treated with particular harshness. On October 18, 1940, the German occupation authorities decreed, in what is known as the Ordonnance d'Aryanisation, that Jews would have a special status and be barred from liberal professions, such as commerce, industry, thus affecting lawyers, doctors, professors, and shop owners. They would also be barred from certain restaurants and public places, and their property was seized.