THE FALL OF FRANCE

The Maginot Linea line of concrete fortifications, tank obstacles, artillery casemates, machine gun posts, and other defenses, which France constructed along its borders with Germany and Italy, in light of its experience in World War I Symbolic of France’s

defensive mindset and inflexible thinking

Sitzkrieg – Phoney War characterized the opening months of WW2

The Schlieffen Plan vs. The Manstein Plan

Schlieffen was obvious plan that was expected

Manstein’s plan was surprising Tanks able to plow through the thick Ardennes

Forest and hillside Swift passing though the “low countries”

Battle BeginsThe Germans with an army of 3 million men attacked The Netherlands and Belgium who had declared neutrality on May 10th 1940

The Netherlands Surrender May 15

Belgium fights on until it surrenders May 28

Miracle at Dunkirk

France SurrendersGerman Forces arrive in Paris on June 14 1940

June 22, armistice signed which divided France into an Nazi occupied North a “free” Vichy South, and an Italian occupied south east

The Battle of Britain

Pearl Harbour