The Battle of France - 2514 Words

1. Introduction 2. History 3. Planning/Preparation 4. Execution/Action 5. Lessons Learned 6. Works Cited Introduction In the spring of 1940 Europe was enveloped in war. The German military machine had already conquered Poland, Denmark, and Norway. However, not content with northern and eastern expansion, Adolf Hitler wanted to control the western countries in Europe. Hitler had long been obsessed with attacking and controlling France. After their defeat in World War I, the German people, government, and military were humiliated by the enormous post war sanctions leveraged against them from the Treaty of Versailles. Hitler wanted to defeat and humiliate the French people in the same way that his country had to experience.†¦show more content†¦The French knew what kind of war they expected to fight. They also expected, and wanted to fight the Nazis in Belgium, not on French soil.3 This defensive strategy resulted in military commanders convincing politicians to construct fortifications across France’s borders. These 140 kilometers of fortifications built from 1930-1937 were known as the Maginot Line. While not a fully connected wall of fortifications, they varied in strength and assets. The strongest, most heavily fortified area of the Maginot line stretched from France’s border with Switzerland and Germany. The Luxembourg and a very small portion of the Belgium border had smaller, less concentrated defense array. The Maginot Line structures were never intended to be similar to the Great Wall of China. The true purpose was to provide a formidable defense and free up manpower to be used in offensive operations somewhere else. Charles de Gaulle, a decorated and proven French military commander was against a defensive mentality. He proposed potential war strategies against the Germans, and why the defensive mentality should be abandoned. In a 1935 Parliament, the French War Minister struck blows against de Gaulle’s ideas by saying â€Å"How could one think that we are still thinking about an offensive when we have spent billions to establish a fortified barrier? Would we be mad enough to advance beyondShow MoreRelatedThe Battle Of The War On France1860 Words   |  8 PagesHundred Years War was fought between the armies of England and France beginning in 1337 CE, and eventually leading to a French victory in 1453. The war had a number of consequences, from England losing the vast majority of its territories in mainland Europe to significantly advancing European military technology. The origins of the conflict were in a dispute between the English and the French over the French throne. After Charles IV of France died in 1328, leaving no male heir behind, he passed the throneRead MoreTo Lose A Battle : France 1939 Essay1310 Words   |  6 Pagesto end the same for France, being over powered and taken over by a n incoming force and having to rely on their allies to save them. Horne explores a more in-depth look at Germany’s invasions of France and its lower countries in May 1940. He illustrated the numerous mistakes and missed opportunities committed by France and their allies in the beginning stages of World War II. To Lose A Battle: France 1940 is the final book in a trilogy of books recounting the final stand by France in World War II. TheRead MoreHitler s Impact On The Battle Of France1531 Words   |  7 Pages Hitler’s Impact on the Battle of France The Battle of France, also known as the Fall of France, was the German invasion of France in 1940 during World War II. The German forces defeated the Allied forces by mobile operations and conquered France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, bringing land operations on the Western Front to an end which would last until 6 June 1944. Hitler’s goal was to invade the Soviet Union, but he knew he must first defeat theRead MoreThe Battle And Liberation Of France From Nazi Germany1398 Words   |  6 PagesArtillery in Normandy On the 6th of June 1944, Operation Overlord began to free France from the Nazi German army. The invasion and liberation of France from Nazi Germany was a pivotal battle in the Second World War. This stems primarily from the extensive use of the Field Artillery throughout the battle. Many of the tactics and equipment used during the largest amphibious assault in history, are directly related to the current American artillery arsenal and how the United States uses that weaponryRead MoreThe Battle Of Trafalgar Between France And Great Britain Essay845 Words   |  4 Pagesnavigation. Parties involved need to be assured that their products will arrive to their destination, else, no one would join free trade. Fourthly, international money (e.g. currency) which everyone recognizes for its notable value. The Battle of Trafalgar between France and Great Britain (GB) that resulted to the latter’s domination of the former made it clear to every European states who is the commanding power in Europe. This battle’s significance lies on the fact that it assured GB’s naval supremacyRead Moreâ€Å"The battle for Canadian liberty and autonomy is being fought today on the plains of France and1500 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"The battle for Canadian liberty and autonomy is being fought today on the plains of France and Belgium,† Borden said while introducing conscription. (Cook, 2011 3 ed., Vol. 13, p.13) At the beginning of the twentieth century, many Canadians were still adjusting to its new ways and ideas. Then the Greatest War the world had ever seen transformed the map of Europe and changed the nations, and the people, who fought in it forever. In Canada, for example, during the war the government faced great challengesRead MoreNovember 11: Frances Armistice Day1367 Words   |  6 Pagesgo through the streets of France with flowers and memorials. The crowd is silent and weeping for those dead. Shops are closed and houses quiet as the President comes forth to give a long speech for those lost. It’s France’s huge mourning day. Appropriate for the day, to honor those who have died fighting for France, and a great happiness for the end of World War 1. November 11th has always been known as Armistice Day. This holiday, also known as L’Armstice in France, has been honored and rememberedRead MoreThe Battle Of Poitiers During The Hundred Year War1711 Words   |  7 Pagesnext major battle that occurred during the Hundred Year War was the Battle of Poitiers. The Battle of Poitiers was a battle that occurred after a six year break from war, warfare broke out again as Edward III’s son, Edward the Black Prince had attacked France in 1356. The French had a line of defense, however Edward was able to break through the defenses and attacked the French head on. The current king of France was King John II. Edward the Black Prince was able to cause a disastrous battle in FranceRead MoreThe War On Britain s Part, And The English939 Words   |  4 Pages116 Years War. The war starts off with several stunning successes on Britain s part, and the English forces dominate France for decades. Then, the struggle see-saws back and forth. In the 1360s, the French are winning. From 1415-1422 , the English are winning. After 1415, King Henry V of England revives the campaign and he conquers large portions of France, winning extraordinary political concessions. From 1422 onward, however, the French crown strikes back. The teenage girl Jeanne d Arc (JoanRead MoreJoan of Arc and the Siege of Orleans Essay1280 Words   |  6 PagesWar between France and England, the city of Orleans was besieged by English forces. The 5000 English soldiers lead by Thomas de Montecute, attacked for months. Around this time, Joan of Arc Appeared in at the court of Charles, and lifted the siege in 1429. This was the major turning point for the French in the war. The events leading up to the Siege of Orleans were mainly victories for the English. The French were attacking land which King Edward III, the king of England, owned in France. â€Å"He declares