The Maginot Line: Why The "Impenetrable" Fortress Fell To Hitler's Blitzkrieg | WW2 In Color

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The initial phase of World War II, following the swift German conquest of Poland in September 1939, saw a lull in major land combat in Western Europe, dubbed the "Phony War." But Germany was secretly refining its plans for France, opting for a daring armored thrust through the Ardennes to bypass the Maginot Line. This new Blitzkrieg was unleashed on May 10, 1940 and despite Allied attempts to counter the breakthrough, the speed and disorganization of the defense led to the entrapment of British and French armies. The desperate evacuation from Dunkirk, aided by a controversial German halt order and civilian boats, saved over 300,000 Allied soldiers. France's remaining resistance quickly collapsed, leading to the occupation of Paris and an armistice on June 22. While Hitler secured control of Western Europe, Britain, though battered, remained in the fight. Welcome to The World History Channel. With new uploads every week, we break down the biggest stories that have shaped human history. From the dawn of ancient civilisations up to the modern age, these are the stories from our past that matter the most. Discover the past on History Hit, with ad-free exclusive podcasts and documentaries released weekly and presented by world-renowned historians Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Matt Lewis and more. https://bit.ly/45CPh5u