Guides to France for American Liberators

Abstract

In the modern world, contacts between cultures tend to strengthen, even during and after military conflicts. After France had been liberated by the US Army during World War II, US soldiers started getting acquainted with French culture. This article introduces an analysis of American guidebooks published specifically for American soldiers who served in France during World War II. The research objective was to identify the information that the guidebooks represented as necessary for an average US military person to make their stay in the country more comfortable, e.g., culture, entertainment, recreation, etc. The guidebooks told their American readers about the history of France and its current state, as well as about the relationship between the French, Americans, and Germans during the world wars. The guides aimed at facilitating the adaptation of American military personnel to French environment. Initially, the guidebooks attempted to introduce American soldiers to the basic knowledge about France, but gradually they started to publish advice on practical issues that Americans faced in France. The guidebooks were written by prominent representatives of American culture who worked for the armed forces during World War II. All in all, these guidebooks enhanced American interest in French culture.