The Second World War was a turbulent time filled with a series of significant events that shaped the course of history. Among these, one of the most pivotal moments was Hitler's capture of Paris in 1940. Here's an in-depth look at this critical event.

Invasion Plans

The planning of the offensive, known as the Manstein Plan or Sichelschnitt Plan, began in 1939. This strategy intended to bypass the Maginot Line, a string of fortifications built by France along its border with Germany. The plan involved sending a vast number of troops through the dense Ardennes Forest, a move the French considered improbable due to the forest's rough terrain.

Start of the Invasion

On May 10, 1940, Germany launched its offensive against the Western Front. The French, British, and their allies were taken by surprise as German forces swept through the Ardennes Forest. In a series of encounters, known as the Battle of France, the German forces quickly advanced towards Paris, aided by their use of Blitzkrieg or "lightning war" strategy that emphasized speed and intense attack.

Fall of the City of Light

By June 14, German forces had reached Paris, leading to the city's formal surrender. The French government had previously evacuated to Tours on June 10 and declared Paris an "open city," which meant there were no plans to defend it to avert destruction. Thus, Paris fell without a fight, marking a severe blow to the morale of the French forces and their allies.

Hitler's Triumphal Visit

A day after the French capitulation, Hitler made a brief, three-hour triumphal tour of Paris. He visited several prominent landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the opera house. This tour was intended as a demonstration of his domination over one of Europe's most prestigious cities.

Aftermath

The fall of Paris marked the beginning of four years of German occupation, leading to widespread persecution of Jews and emerging French Resistance movements. This time is remembered as one of the darkest periods in French history.

In summary, Hitler's capture of Paris in 1940 was a critical event during WWII that marked a turning point in favor of the Axis Powers. Today, it remains one of the most notable instances of successful Blitzkrieg strategy and stands as a chilling reminder of the destructive power of warfare. However, it also marks the resilience of humanity, as seen in the surge of resistance movements that rose in response.