L’instrumentalisation des coopératives artisanales sous Vichy

What links were established between the Vichy government and craft cooperatives? This original piece of research has the merit of exploring a troubled period in French history, which until now has often been avoided. Despite its conservative image, Vichy had some interest in modernization, particularly in the realm of economic structures. The role intended for craft cooperatives illustrates this. The new department of craft industries, created within the ministry for industrial production, was meant to develop a centralized network of cooperatives that would enable it to disseminate the technical programs it created throughout the country. As the article shows, the actual achievements lagged far behind the hopes of the Vichy officials. This attempt at making cooperatives an instrument of the regime was slowed down by Vichy’s bureaucracy and a lack of interest among craftsmen.