The Mysterious German Invasion of France During WWII: Truth vs. Myth

When discussing the events of World War II, one common question arises: Why did Germany invade France if France had not already surrendered when Germany invaded Poland? This article aims to clarify the historical context and the complexities surrounding the German invasion of France during this tumultuous period.

Understanding the Phoney War

The phrase "Phoney War" describes the initial phase of World War II from 1939 to 1940, characterized by relative calm in Western Europe. During this eight-month period, no significant military engagements occurred between the major powers in this region. This was despite tensions, as demonstrated by Germany's invasion of Poland, which was met with no direct French or British military response. The British and French military strategies were still developing, and it was hoped that the aggressive German actions would provoke a stronger Scandinavian or Balkan response, thus involving more countries in the conflict.

The Build-Up to the German Invasion of Poland

The invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, marked the beginning of the war. Before this, France had not surrendered for 68 years. In fact, Germany had previously surrendered to France and her allies in 1918, concluding World War I. The complexity and uniqueness of this situation raise questions about the immediate events leading up to the German invasion of France in 1940.

The Strategic back-and-forth in the European Theater

Germany's next target was Poland, which was invaded and conquered in September 1939 with Soviet assistance. France, however, maintained a large and formidable military presence and had not yet surrendered to Germany. The strategic moves by Germany including the invasion of Poland aimed to eliminate the threat of a two-front war, where they would have had to fight both France and Britain simultaneously. Their plan was to defeat Poland and then push west, securing their position on the European continent before turning their attention northward towards England.

The Fall of France and the Phony War's End

The German invasion of France on May 10, 1940, marked the end of the Phoney War. The French and British forces were engaging with the Germans, but Germany's Blitzkrieg tactics were much more effective. Historically, the German plan was to invade the UK, but the Royal Navy's strength and the lack of suitable landing craft and transport vessels made this impossible at the time.

The French decision to surrender and establish the Vichy government came later. After the Battle of France, the southern part of France declared itself the collaborating Vichy government under Marshall Philippe Pétain. This division was a direct result of the German victory and the need for France to surrender and agree to the armistice. The Germans took control of northern France and Belgium, while the southern part remained under a nominally independent but collaboratively occupied Vichy regime.

The Resistance and Allied Support

Both parts of France, north and south, had resistance movements against the German occupation. These resistance operations varied in their intensity and success, with varying levels of support from the Allies. The UK, in particular, provided crucial support to these resistance groups through intelligence, arms, and logistics. These operations played a significant role in the eventual Allied victory in the liberation of France in 1944.

The Legacy of the German Invasion of France

The German invasion of France in 1940 was a pivotal moment in the course of World War II. It marked the end of the Phoney War, precipitated the fall of France, and led to the establishment of the Vichy government. This event profoundly affected the strategies, alliances, and moral dynamics of the war, setting the stage for future Allied efforts in Europe.

Further Reading

For a deeper understanding of the historical context and the complexities of the German invasion of France, consider exploring the following sources:

"The Fall of France: The Nazi Invasion and the Defeat of the World’s Most Battle-Ready Army" by Nigel Jordan "The Nazi Invasion of France: Operation Barbarossa" by Stephen Biddle "The Battle for France and the Low Countries, May–June 1940" edited by Antony Clark

Understanding the intricate details of this era helps us appreciate the historical context of the events and the strategic decisions made by various nations during World War II.