World At War: France Falls 6 of 6

[njattack]

Yep, France lost World War II in 5 weeks! That's funny.

[helmuthoorn]

Many of these men parading here belonged tot the 6th army that only 2,5 years later would all perish in Stalingrad.

[germaniajim]

what a beautiful and eventful day that fourteenth of June in 1940, every birthday I think of german troops marching down the champs elysses.

[germaniajim]

why is it Paris escaped all bombs?or rather how is it?

[Nero200]

What is the piece of music there marching to called anyone???? 

[BoeserBiber]

@Nero200

It is called "prussian glory", an old prussian march song. I'm pretty sure you can find it on youtube.

[Nero200]

@BoeserBiber Cheers mate.

[BoeserBiber]

@Nero200 You're welcome.

And to those who argue how great the Wehrmacht was: I'm glad we lost that war, because even on this time of greatest military success against France it was no fun being a German citizen. Sure our troops were successful, but our people lived under tyranny. When you argued against Hitler and you were lucky, you were shot immidiately. Otherwise you were arrested by Gestapo and turned over to the SS and put in a KZ. We weren't that great nation you are thinking.

[petgall2]

Somehow I could'nt imagine London giving the Nazis freedom to do this.

[WChurchill1874]

@petgall2

I don't think France had much of an option! Anyway Paris was in the German Northern Zone, not the Vichy Southern zone, any in 1943 the Germans just marched into the 'Free' zone due to the invasion fears from North Africa.

[astridbelge]

well said, is good for you to intervene, funny to see how people can be so blinded by prejudice towards France, and would rather stand with the worst dictator and the worst regime like an unprincipled collaborator.

[P1B1U1H1]

This parade is pretty much ingrained into our brains. Try to visit Paris and see the Arch de Triomphe without seeing this horrific march in your head at least for a few seconds. Let us hope this kind of war never curses the planet again.

[antimatterXXXIII]

@P1B1U1H1 Well, not many years later the American 28th Infantry marched along the same streets, having slaughtered these Hun bastards by the bushel-basketful. I see these strutting preening militarists and all my blood goes up. How did these shopkeepers and sausage grinders ever imagine that they had any chance against the pugnacious Britain and America, not to mention Russia? Well, I think they've learned their lesson.

[P1B1U1H1]

@antimatterXXXIII It's really funny, Paris is that way. After the Arch de Triumphe, visited Bar Hemingway, a must see for every American. Although all the other things about Paris, the museums, Cathedrals, rivers, people, food, and so forth and so on, were fabulous, WWII really stuck in the brain. That was never so with respect to London or for our short visit to Dusseldorf. Maybe it's the knowledge that, but for a German general with courage, Paris would have been burnt to the ground by Hitler.

[dramamajor1985]

what is the title of the song that plays when the troupes are entering france?

[th3gtr]

@dramamajor1985 "Preußens Gloria" or Prussian Glory.

[bpiotrAgain]

3:44 for this picture France can blame only own stupidity.

In 1939 France should attack Germany from the West as promised in Alliance Pact.

Germany used in Poland 95% of own forces, so determined attack of French army could end this war by next few weeks.

Small comparison:

Poland fight Alone against Nazists and Soviets by 4 weeks.

France against Nazists, with Holland,Belgium and support of English forces "fight" ONLY by 6 weeks

[P1B1U1H1]

@bpiotrAgain Worse was a failure to crush the monster after he took the Rhienland. It would have been easy for Britain and France to have won.

[Rollstuhlmann]

Think of how powerful the symbol of German troops marching through the city like that... Gives me goosebumps just thinking of how overwhelming and powerful of a symbol it must have been to see those soldiers marching... Scary and crazy...

[4demolition]

Julius Caesar, the Vikings, William the Conquerer, The Spanish Armada, Napoleon, Hitler. Nothing good has ever come out of continental Europe for Britain. I'm sure if they could row their island into the middle of the Pacific, they'd have gone long ago.

[stardaddyo9]

my grand father loved killing "krauts". he had a hatred for all things german that burned for thirty years after the war was over.

[OneWorldHistory]

"So the scene opens on the confrontation of the century..."

These quotes are from Alistair Horne's amazing book -To Lose a Battle.

It is a wonderful finishing book for his trilogy on the 75 year confrontation between France and Germany that in the end would claim over 100 million lives worldwide.

One must always remember that the Franco-Prussian war, WWI and WWII were the SAME war.

Peace to the world.

[OneWorldHistory]

"On the other side, a revolutionary Germany led by a daemonic prophet posessed of total self assurance, but supported by professional soldiers, many of them nervous, hostile and not sharing their Fuhrer's certainty of success; equipped with a superlative war machine ... and marching to one of the most brilliant war plans of all time..."

[OneWorldHistory]

"On one side, France, a nation divided and with little heart for war, led by a Premier weakened by influenza and his mistress, who had offered his resignation, and a Generalissimo under suspended sentence; guarded by an army whose morale was to say the least patchy ... guided by outdated doctrine and commanded by mediocre leaders, and an Air Force outclassed in every respect..."

[LcoolJfiveoh]

thats what frenchies get for being pussies

jammapelle la poopoo!

[the82spartans]

Would have liked to seen a bit more about Dunkirk and the order of events for those 9 days... especially the RAF vs. Luftwaffe.

Good series.  5*'s

[kilroy2963]

France pwned !!

[fdymom]

Which march is this at the end of the video? Does anyone know the name of it?

[spungray]

Preußens Gloria

 song in the parad

[DrCruel]

France paid their indemnity because they could - the Franco-Prussian war, while bringing down the government of Napoleon III, was relatively limited and didn't bankrupt the French state. Germany's post-war indemnity, by contrast, was much greater and grew payment from a crippled society and economy.

As for the mistake of France and Britain, it was in not paying enough attention to the operational arts. Both countries had plenty of material to take on Germany in 1939, and ought to have won.

[handofsutekh]

If anyone is wondering, the next part of The World At War is entitled "Alone"

[DrCruel]

If the Germans had not left a gap for the French to exploit in the First World War, we'd have people claiming that France's loss was as "inevitable" in 1914 as the French defeat in 1870. In truth it was a near-run thing, just as in 1940.

Unfortunately for the French, the Germans didn't make any obvious mistakes the third time around. And it's a tribute to the French that, in three major wars agains the Germans, they instigated none of them.

[Fridomfry]

DrCruel (great name!), you are right about 1914, it was a near miss, the French army achieved a real miracle at the Marne.

In three major wars against the Germans:

- France declared the war in 1870, and got punished

- France declared the war in 1839, and got punished

- Germany declared the war in 1914, and got punished

I would add that the French revolution declared the war in 1791, and got finally punished after 24 years of wars.

The conclusion is clear !

[DrCruel]

France didn't instigate the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. As for 1839, other than the Treaty of London (guaranteeing Belgian neutrality), France had little at all to do with the Prussians. There certainly wasn't any war between them.

Are you perhaps speaking of 1939? Surely you don't try to suggest it was the French who instigated a war against Hitler's Germany.

[Fridomfry]

Dr, you're right to say that France didn't "instigate" the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. That war was instigated by Bismarck. France just fell in the trap, stupidly. Note that the French paid the whole indemnity required by Germany, unlike Germany in the 1920s which managed to be "forgiven".

In 1939, France & Britain reluctantly went to war against Hitler at the worst possible moment - too late or too early.

[HingerlAlois]

"After the news of the renunciation of the Prince von Hohenzollern had been communicated to the Imperial French government by the Royal Spanish government, the French Ambassador in Ems made a further demand on His Majesty the King that he should authorize him to telegraph to Paris that His Majesty the King undertook for all time never again to give his assent should the Hohenzollerns once more take up their candidature. [...]

[HingerlAlois]

[...] His Majesty the King thereupon refused to receive the Ambassador again and had the latter informed by the Adjutant of the day that His Majesty had no further communication to make to the Ambassador."

Ems Dispatch

Seems rather stupid to declare war because of such a message lol.

[Fridomfry]

HingerlAlois, very right. We French have learned this story at school for 129 years. One of the stupidest diplomatic blunders ever.

Actually Bismarck wanted a war against France, to unify the Germans behind Prussia. And France jumped into the trap.

[HingerlAlois]

Yes and obviously Napoleon III thought he could dictate the Prussians what to do lol^^

[sneakeysmoker1]

you sound like great fun..a real killer with the ladies i bet..

[eduardalet]

Germany had the technology and the will to win, my father Belgian told me he thought he was looking 30 years into the when he saw their aircraft and tanks, that says a lot for their technological prowess and the fact it took the planet to defeat them.

[kipastra]

cheese eatin surrender monkies!!!!!

[astridbelge]

it seems that the anglo-saxons take such pleasure and glee from France's troubles

can't believe that such deep prejudice still exist today

[kipastra]

yeh well,when the french stop stabbing us in the back every chance they get,then maybe attitudes will change..the belgians too for that matter

[Fryfish9]

The French had no Channel to hide behind! Nobody was a tactical match for the Germans in 1940. Hitler broke his foot off in your ass. Or is that "arse"?

[kipastra]

thats true,but at least we stood up to the challenge,and wasnt courting hitler with lindburgh,and the german american bund,like the usa..old boy!!!

[Fryfish9]

I'm not saying that we were paragons of virtue and valor. We weren't. You weren't. The French weren't.They had a bad WW2. But,at least, they held out long enough for you to get away. And they did this against an enemy that nobody ever defeated on .more or less, equal terms. Give the French a damn rest!

[astridbelge]

to those people protected by the english channel or the atlantic ocean

you were simply not putted to the same challenges

it is always easy to say what others did wrong in hindsight

[HJMass]

Preussens Gloria, such a great march.

[astridbelge]

where are u from?

u r praising the aggressor

and

disparaging the victim

it is a fine composition, that march

but it would be awakard to praise it here

[5000433]

Typo read "French army" for German.

[5000433]

The German General Staff was superior to the French General Staff in 1870. The German army was not superior to the German army. Technically quite the reverse. The French had a far superior rifle to the German dreyse, and the mitralliase machine gun was in great quantity. Poor C&C at the corps and army level doomed France. Nothing else.

[NEWLOVE559]

The Germans really stuck it to the french lol

[RussChannel]

fuck france go germany

[astridbelge]

human nature is so low

what is tragedy for some

is comedy for others

[jimmy27paul]

I cant this french bashing....weak cowerds ....the country of napoleon bonaparte joan of arc......the country that was once the only superpower in europe for centurys.

[Felixis]

What? The only one? When was that? For centuries? You are making delusional statements.

Ok so France had Napoleon and Joan of Arc and many other heros but no one can honestly say that the French Army had a good/intelegent action in 1939/40, they deserve the bashing for those times for they were nothing more than incompetent. France INactions in 1940 might well been a decisive blow for a Nazi/war-free Europe in the following years.

[strickmatic727]

at the end of these they always leave you WANTING MORE!

[cahuber007]

Can't believe Hitler went to Paris and didn't get him a good french whore. Of course the current prime minister's wife wasn't available then, but there had to be at least one.

[astridbelge]

carla bruni you mean?

[madras111]

hitler could not get it up, haha.

[Fridomfry]

German invincibility, no, but German had become obviously the major military & industrial power in continental Europe in 1871. Thus the French knew that, in case of a war, they would face a formidable enemy, and need allies. But around 1900, most people believed that war had become unthinkable in civilized Europe in the XXth century. War in the future would be something for the colonies, or the Balkans

[Fridomfry]

Sorry, but you make the same mistake about WW2. In 1939, the French were certainly not enthusiastic about diving into another war, 20 years after the hell of WW1. Yet they fought that, just as they had beaten Germany in 1914-1918, they would be victorious again: Germany had hardly recreated a new army from scratch, its tanks and heavy artillery were technically inferior to the French. Remember that everyone was shocked by the sweeping German victory against the French & British in 1940.

[Glennovicz]

Yeah, right, everyone is always very enthusiastic before going to war, at least in appearance. Anyway, I am referring to the consequences of the 1870 defeat, not the premises of the war. It durably affected the French moral and created a legend about an alleged German invincibility. As for the French superiority, I think it was true until 1937, but not in 1940.

[Fridomfry]

That just confirms how a novelist like Zola differs deeply from a historian. In July 1870, the French people was overexcited against Prussia, and shouted "War now!". Everyone was convinced that Prussia would be no match for the grand-sons of Napoleon's soldiers.

Even after the defeat of the French professional army, the French refused to surrender and raised several 100,000s volunteers. It took them 5 more months to recognize that they hadn't any chance against the superior German army.

[Fridomfry]

"The Governments were cowards because they didn't react earlier against Hitler"

You mean the Governments of Britain (the chief appeaser which thought just fair that Germany should have an army again)? The US government, which had guaranteed protection to France in 1919, then let it down in the dark hours? The Soviet government, which allied with Hitler? Or the French parliamentary regime, where governments rarely lasted 6 months and just followed British foreign policy ? All of them, I suppose.

[Fridomfry]

Literature and History are two very different genres, each respectable. A novelist must dramatize, particularly by presenting "villains" and "heroes". Zola was an asserted radical long before he defended Dreyfus (which he did well, I share his opinions). If you want, he was one among many unreliable historical sources, which one should cross-check before writing harsh general judgements.

WW2 is another story, 3 generations and a Great War later.

[Glennovicz]

Well, I think you should still read "la débâcle". You will be very surprised. The idea that struck me in this book was that in the minds of French people (governments, military, soldiers), Germans were simply unbeatable and it was no use fighting them: THAT IS THE CONNECTION WITH WWII. But you are right, I am making sweeping generalizations, however History can sometimes be explained by looking at people's general traits, and novels are here to give us testimonies regarding people.

[Glennovicz]

I have been reading many of the comments here. I think the main reasons for France's swift fall can be dated from the 1870 war: 70 years of military incompetence, of governmental cowardice and of popular selfishness. Read "la débâcle" by Zola and you'll see that the causes of the French defeat in 1870 are very close to the causes of the 1940 defeat.

[Fridomfry]

Zola was a radical novelist, certainly not a reliable historical analyst. 1870 is comparable with 1940 only as Germany was militarily superior and had the advantage of fighting only on one front. Military leaders' incompetence, yes. "Governmental cowardice" of governments who declared war to Germany?? I'd rather say bold stupidity. In 1870, after most regular army had been destroyed, the French created volunteer armies in less than 3 months - so much for "popular selfishness"

[Glennovicz]

I don't see on what grounds Zola wouldn't be a reliable historical source. Have you read the aforementionned book? What is your evidence to state that he was "radical"? Is it because he defended Dreyfus? The Governments were cowards because they didn't react earlier against Hitler. They should have done it as soon as the Sudeten were claimed by Germany. As for selfishness, just take a look at the indifference of the population in regard to the Jewish fate, that's enough.

[NEWLOVE559]

How pissed those frenchies must have been during that parade

[andcom05]

Does anyone here know the name of the march at the end?

[tehbruka]

It's the Preuseens Gloria marsch. I like it too.

[andcom05]

Thanks allot for that dude i've had the series on dvd for a long time now, and it's a relief to finally get the names of all these great marches!

[Catface91]

"The World At War" is one, if not the best documentary ever made about WWII as it was produced in the early 1970's when many important figures were still alive to discuss the events that led to the losses and victories of one of humanities greatest/worst historical times. Props to the British who made this classic 26 part documentary!

[maverick41218]

*is in total agreement* :)

[davelyng]

The French are afraid of there own children. Just like Iraq, Your people are not worth saving. We should have let you starve you worthless Eurotrash.

[damoosebelly]

okay...i know how very much everyone has enjoyed the presence of Camarale here, keeping us all on our toes and making us defend our respective nations' "lack of participation" in WWII, which France obviously won single-handedly against the horrifying anglo threat...but i warned him ages ago that deliberately and directly insulting others would not be tolerated here. these videos are here for education and information...debate is good, verbal assault is not...so, we've had to say goodbye to C.

[Camarale]

It certainly helped Britton big boasting mouths to not be crushed during their air battle,a few weeks after.Russians lost 5 million prisoners in the hands of Germans in 1941/42,when Soviet Union was crushed by Wehrmacht.

[Camarale]

They also destroyed 1428 German planes and damaged a further of 688.

[Camarale]

French casualties were 100000 soldiers killed in May/June 1940,aussie bastard.And French troops inflicted 45000 deads to Germans and 111000 woundeds.Thanks the Channel who saved Britton asses.

[centurey8901]

France could have fought on but chose not to and has had to live with the shame ever since.

[Camarale]

Germany industry 3 times France indutry ? where have you seen that? ignorant asshole. And the true population of France is around 80 million , with all the non French declared.You post from Germany,but looking at your favourites videos, i'am almost sure that you are an impotent US sexual frusrated virgin.Like all the frustrated US virgins who play at war,diguised in SS uniforms.MEAN LOSER.

[dog123903]

Why is everyone else a mean loser? You call people Asshole, yet how many wars have the Frech won in the last 100 years?

Who's mean..and who's a loser???

[armenius25]

One more thing...There is this new Technology called Antimatter...France cant build it...

Only USa and Germany were able to do it sofar.

There is just no way France can ewer win against Germany...

Whole Central Europe(austria,Swiss,Luxenburg­,Lichtenstein and other ethinc Germans)would just steamroll over France...

Cus Germany and her sister Cuntrys have far far larger population and over 3 times the industry than France.Simple Mathematics

[armenius25]

Germany always wins win eae against France...

And it they would doo it again if war(extremly unlikly) would happen...

Germany has enugh Uranum to build 250 Nukes within few Weeks...Plus DHIEL,s Werke builds some of the worldwide Best Missiles...

Plus Germany has about 3x larger Industry.

Secondary...Napoleon wasent eavn French and

he used Tactic that were pionierd by German Frederik The Great...Napoleon Sayd him self that if Freerik was still alive he would newer be here...

[Taramriel]

French suck since Napoleon got his ass kicked. Arrogant pricks.

[centurey8901]

Every one beats the French.

[armenius25]

in 1871 Franco-German war-tock 6 Weeks for Germany to win against France.

in 1914 World War One half of France overun

in just 3 Weeks,but in the end France got saved by other Great Powers...

in 1940 World War Two 5 Weeks France completly humiliated!

Whats there to say!Germans always win whit

ease against France,no mather in what!

[diadorim1234]

Germans always win whit

ease against France

now france has nukes, so dont trie anything. the fallout may come in my direction

[turr520]

5 weeks? China was in the war with Japan for 8 years. US/Britain were in WW2 for at least 4 years. I still don't understand why France gets to be a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

[centurey8901]

Britain was in the war from 1939 1945.

[dog123903]

excellent point!!

[MisterEdou11]

The participation of french resistance in France (Invasion of Normandy ; Sword Beach whith FFL ; Battle for Paris) ; the participation of Free French Forces in Western Desert Campaign and the Operation Dragoon (colonial troops and FFL) ; the participation of France during Germany invasion in 45...

[stonerbob09]

whats this march playing?

[Quickfitfitter]

"Preußens Gloria" - J.G.Piefke