Part 1/9:
The Fall of France: A Study in Military Catastrophe
The collapse of France during World War II stands as one of the most staggering military failures in history. With the rapidity of only six weeks from the initial German offensive to the signing of an armistice, the fall of France shocked the world—and has been a source of ridicule and myth ever since. Despite its formidable reputation built during World War I, where France famously resisted for four years against the German forces, the same military crumbled within days in World War II. In this examination, we will delve into how and why this remarkable turnaround occurred, revealing the complexity behind one of history's most bewildering defeats.