At outset (July 1940) all overseas territories adhered to Vichy as the legitimate heir to the disgraced Third Republic.

• At outset (July 1940) all overseas territories adhered to Vichy as the legitimate heir to the disgraced Third Republic.
• In short order, the Free French became emboldened, disputing the legitimacy of Vichy mandates, including in the postal system. Gradually the Free French movement gained adherents. Nowhere was this split more evident than in the overseas empire - beginning in August 1940
• Achieved by convincing or forcing Governors and military forces to abandon the Vichy vision for the future of France.