Ah, here we are. Chapter 17. I honestly never thought this day would come, but, alas, we have arrived. Let’s get to this wonderful new discussion post!
The Liberation of Paris
Going back to one of my earlier blog posts, this is some background information:
Event: Liberation of Paris
- When: 19th – 25th of August, 1944
- Where: Paris, France
- What: The liberation of Paris was, well, the liberation of Paris. Various groups of people joined in to fight the fleeing Nazis, trapping them within the city before they could leave. The groups included, but not limited to, the French army, the French resistance, United States Army, United Kingdom Army, Spanish Exiles, German Exiles and Resistance, and civilians. The liberations started off as a general strike by workers, then it transformed into a full on battle.
If you want to read more about other events, take a look back at About Defy (Part 3).
Going into some more in-depth history behind the event, as well as what was mentioned in the book:
- Began first with a “General Strike” from August 15th to 19th in 1944. During this time, around 2,000 men and women were sent to concentration camps (one of the last concoys to Germany). In response, employees of the Paris Metro & the National Police went on strike, with the postal workers following the next day. Workers from all over Paris eventually joined in.
- August 17th: Germans were beginning to place explosives at strategic points around the city. They aimed to slow the Allied advance as much as possible.
- August 19th: FFI Uprising began in the streets of Paris. This was during the beginning of the German retreat through Paris. It began as a protest, but soon skirmishes broke out between the French and Germans. Before long, Germans began to detonate mines in the northeastern suburb of Pantin. This action caused the mills there to be set on fire – they supplied Paris with most of its flour.
- August 20th – 23nd: Almost everyone in Paris was either fighting or fleeing. Full out war was being waged in the streets. An esitimated 800 to 1,00 Resistance fighters were killed.
- August 24th – 25th: Allied forces finally entered Paris.
- August 25th: Germans surrender
Liberation Video:
Here’s a cool video that was shot by the Resistance during the Liberation. It shows much of the atmosphere prior, the fighting, and the aftermath.
Where & When Does Actualités Dietmar Fit in?
The exact location of Actualités Dietmar is very vague since I don’t have as precise of knowledge of Paris as I would wish. Still, I have a certain or at least close to udea of what is going on.
- This chapter techniqually takes place during the day on August 19th.
- Actualités Dietmar is north of the Effiel tower, not that far away from Pantin.
- The bombs heard by the characters were the same ones that exploded in Pantin.
- The FFI Uprising is what has led some people to begin to shoot at Actualités Dietmar. People are seeking revenge.
- Albrecht is is the process of fleeing with the Nazi army and on this day, he and Annabelle were going to make a run for it.
Who? Are they Alive?
Did I add some new people just for them to be killed? Yes I did. I am that evil.
Still, I hope this list may clear some things up for you. It includes the names of all those in this chapter and who is alive at the end of it… or not…
- Nazi squad – (New but not important) Dead
- Pierre Monteil – (New Character) (1st to die) Dead
- You’ll hear more from him in Resist…
- Acadia Laurent – Alive but very much in shock.
- Daniel Rémy – (New Character) (2nd one to die) Dead
- Angry Parisians – (New Characters… Mostly) Alive
- Dimitri Florimond- Who even knows where he is?
- Annabelle and Albrecht Fitzi – It’s questionable…
And there you have it – Chapter 17: Independence has been explained. As a side note, I tend to think of this chapter as the true end – a very ominous ending. Like, don’t these words leave everything up to your imagination?
“Albrecht, look out!” Bang! Bang! Blood splattered onto the floor. Another death.
Defy pg. 76
Chills. Literal chills.
And this is where we end for today. Next week we’ll finish up with the two shortest chapters in the world!
See you then!
L.A. Grabins
Now, before you go…
Secrets of the Forest
It’s the year 2300. The earth as we know it has been completely changed by war and a new civilization has arisen from the rubble. It seems like everything is good and fair – violence seems nonexistent. If their life is so perfect and wonderful, why are people banned from venturing into the Forbidden Country? The laws were clear. No one was EVER allowed to go there. Yet, Annalise Bella Mason was determined to go there. She wanted answers. Now, there’s no going back. Episodes up every Thursday!
Read on Kindle Vella! Chapters 1-11 are now up!
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