Part 3/9:
When the conflict resumed in May 1940, the Allies mistakenly anticipated a German attack through Belgium, based on traditional military strategies of the past. War planners in France focused their attention and resources in that direction, leaving the Ardennes forest—perceived as an impenetrable obstacle—minimally defended.
The Blitzkrieg Offensive
Unknown to the French, the German military devised a bold strategy: to breach the Ardennes and surprise the Allies by quickly maneuvering through to the English Channel. In just three days following the commencement of the invasion on May 10, German forces crossed the Meuse River, rapidly advancing and encircling a significant portion of the French and British forces.