Laval, Pierre

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Laval, Pierre (1883–1945) French statesman, prime minister (1931–32, 1935–36). His government fell as a result of the unpopularity of the Hoare-Laval Pact, which approved the Italian conquest of Ethiopia. In 1940, Laval joined the Vichy Government, becoming its head under Marshal Pétain. His capitulation to German demands was seen as treason by the Free French and he was executed after World War II.

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