6. (b) Significance of Hitler’s Decision to Invade France in 1940

Question 1

‘Phoney war’ definition

Answer 1

The period from October 1939 to March 1940 when there was no fighting in western Europe

Question 2

For which three main reasons did Hitler invade France in 1940?

Answer 2

1. France’s rejection of Germany’s offer to create a small Polish state (in reality a German satellite) and ensuing ‘phoney war’
2. Hitler wanted to remove the threat posed by the Western democracies
3. Traditional German nationalist interest to curb French influence in Europe

Question 3

‘Blitzkrieg’ definition

Answer 3

Lightning war

Question 4

When the invasion of France begin?

Answer 4

5th June, 1940

Question 5

When did France sign an armistice, surrendering to Germany?

Answer 5

22nd June, 1940

Question 6

Give three reasons why the invasion of France was significant.

Answer 6

1. Radically changed the global balance of power
2. The victories Hitler achieved were impressive during this blitzkrieg period; he had within six weeks defeated Belgium, Luxembourg, France, and the Netherlands, and Britain had been driven from the Continent.
3. Germany’s victory over France in part persuaded Mussolini to finally declare war on Britain and France.

Other options included:

• Britain and the USA shown to be incorrect in believing France would be able to keep Germany at bay while they could build up their armaments, as well as Stalin believing that Germany and the Western powers would fatally weaken themselves
• Victory over France meant that Hitler had eradicated the most immediate threat to his Continental policies. This now freed Hitler up for taking his next step, which was to attempt to negotiate a peace with Britain.
• Helped to cement Hitler’s place as having reached height of public esteem in Germany
• Fatalities: At the end of the Battle of France that encompassed Hitler’s military campaign against France and the Low Countries from 10th May to 25th June, 1940, 90,000 French people had been killed and 27,074 Germans.