World War II Discussion Group - "The War Within a War"

Cyril Lagvanec, PhD, the curator of the American-Italian Research Library located on the second floor of the East Bank Regional Library, will give a lecture titled “The War Within a War” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie.

This event is free of charge and is open to the public.

This lecture focuses on the intense rivalries between the British Empire and the government of Vichy France (technically neutral) when the two became adversaries after France’s 1940 collapse, and involving violent clashes in Syria, Lebanon, Madagascar and North Africa.

Both sides vied for control of French colonial territories and resources. While it was afraid of Axis expansion: Britain acted decisively to neutralize French assets (fleet, colonies) that could aid Germany. Ideologically, Vichy France, led by Marshal Pétain, embraced authoritarianism and collaboration, while Free French forces under Charles de Gaulle fought alongside the British, creating internal French conflict. 

Key Conflicts

• Mers-el-Kebir (July 1940): Britain attacked the French fleet in Algeria to prevent its use by the Axis, a devastating blow to French pride and a major point of contention, as Britain framed it as protecting the fleet from Germans, not attacking France.
• Dakar (Operation Menace, Sept 1940): A failed British/Free French attempt to seize the key port in Senegal from Vichy forces, meeting fierce resistance.
• Syria-Lebanon Campaign (1941): British, Australian, and Free French forces fought Vichy French troops (including Foreign Legion units) to prevent German infiltration into the region.
• Madagascar (Operation Ironclad, 1942): British forces invaded the island to secure its strategic port from potential Japanese seizure
• Ultimately, the British Empire, alongside the Free French and later American forces (Operation Torch, late 1942), overcame Vichy resistance in the colonies, aligning the French Empire with the Allies by 1943. 

Cyril Lagvanec earned his undergraduate degree in history from Baylor University, his master’s degree in British and European History from Tulane University, and his doctoral degree in American History from Texas A&M University. Through his long career, Dr. Lagvanec has taught at Jesuit High School, Tulane, Loyola, Delgado, Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, East Carolina University, and Texas A&M. 

Program inquiries should be directed to Chris Smith, Adult Programming, at 504-889-8143 or wcsmith@jefferson.lib.la.us.

The World War II Discussion Group, headed by local teacher and historian Brian Altobello, meets the first Thursday of every month. Speakers focus on the events of the 1930s and 1940s. Free and open to the public; registration is not required.