The Transformation of Memory about the Role of the USSR in World War II in Modern France

The article is devoted to the analysis of the historical memory of the Second World War in modern France. The focus is on issues related to the reaction of the French media and authorities to the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Stalingrad, the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy and the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. On the basis of the leading French media publications and statements by French politicians analysis, the author of the article concludes that the events related to the commemorations of World War II have long been transformed in the West as a whole and in France, in particular, into a political tool that is used to rewrite the results of World War II in accordance with the current geopolitical situation. The main goal of this policy is to downplay the role of the Soviet Union and the Red Army and to exaggerate the role of Western powers, primarily the United States, in winning World War II. In addition, the author notes that the very concept of «victory» over Nazi Germany is being replaced by the term «surrender» of Nazi Germany. Thus, the problem of German Nazism is neutralized and at the same time equal responsibility for the outbreak of World War II is placed on the Soviet Union along with Nazi Germany. The non-invitation of Russia to solemn ceremonies is a clear manifestation of this political line. All this seems very dangerous, since such rhetoric and actions lead to camouflage and disregard for the resurgent neo-Nazism, and the reformatted past provides historical grounds for creating the “necessary” present.