Severe was appropriate because it described their behavior. They were strict, cruel, ruthless, and severe to the slaves. If the slaves were tired or couldn't work or were perceived as problematic in any way, they would get flogged or severely beaten or even killed without any regard for them or for others in general.
Because the demand for military supplies dropped sharply. The theory of permanent war economy suggests that the United States would have a larger military spending, even in peacetime. The theory argues that larger spending on the military helped to stabilize the global economy.
Vichy Government
The government was based from the southern french spa town of Vichy. It was a term of surrender following the German invasion of France, the Germans controlled northern france including Paris.
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