How to Understand the French Collapse in World War II

No single event in World War II proved more sad and shocking than the German takeover of France, which was accomplished in just six weeks. How was one of the strongest military powers in the world overrun so quickly? Several factors were involved. Read on to learn how to understand the French collapse in World War II.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• An understanding of post-World War I France
• Books and videos about the German takeover of France

1. Remember that World War I was hailed as "The war to end all wars." The notion of maintaining the peace at any cost was dominant in most of Europe. German dictator Adolf Hitler had convinced the people that their country had been stabbed in the back by the Treaty of Versailles, which ended that war.
2. Understand that though Germany had already destroyed Poland, the idea of appeasing Hitler in order to remain at peace was even stronger in France than it was in England. Though both countries declared war on Germany, neither lifted a finger to help Poland after the attack that started World War II. Many French believed that Germany wouldn't strike their country as long as they didn't start the hostilities against Germany.
3. The Germans rolled right around the Maginot Line. Consider that the French believed the Maginot Line was impregnable. They had built a series of concrete fortifications along the border of Germany, including tank obstructions and machine gun posts. But the Germans simply rolled through Belgium and the Netherlands to avoid the Maginot Line. Their tanks were well into France five days after the invasion. The Germans took over Paris within five weeks.
4. Think about the heavily-wooded Ardennes, a heavily wooded area though which the French never believed the Germans could attack. The bold Germans rolled through the Ardennes with little opposition.
5. Study the French reaction once the Germans began their successful assault. Confusion and defeatism ran rampant. The French were simply unprepared militarily to halt the invasion.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't deny the French credit for the eventual defeat of the Germans. They indeed folded like a house of cards in 1940, but the French Resistance, led by Charles DeGaulle, played a huge role in the liberation of France in 1944.