Black Market Logic: Meat Supply in Vichy France

Abstract

ABSTRACT The extensive black market for meat in Occupied France shows the breadth of popular opposition to Vichy’s system for food allocation and its links to collaboration. The black market gained support from farmers, butchers, consumers, and traffickers improvising to evade state regulation. This article explains the importance of the black market for meat in Vichy France as fostered by two logics for illicit traffic. The first was the obvious opportunity to profit from the shortages and state controls; the second, its influence more widespread, served the needs of family, friends, and communities.