How did France defend itself against Germany?

During the 1930s, the French built the Maginot Line, fortifications along the border with Germany. The line was intended to economise on manpower and deter a German invasion across the Franco–German border by diverting it into Belgium, which could then be met by the best divisions of the French Army.

What would have happened if France won the Franco-Prussian War?

France would have stayed an Empire and would have not become a Republic. It would have been seen as the major power in continental Europe, thus Britain would have signed defensive treaty with Prussia.

Why was the fall of France important?

Between 9 May and 22 June 1940, a remarkable German assault on north-west Europe, known as the Battle of France, resulted in the capture and subjugation of not only France but three other countries – Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Belgium.

What if Austria won the Austro Prussian War Quora?

Short answer : Had Austria won the austro-prussian war, Germany would not exist.

Why did Germany defeat France in WW2?

The Super Simple Reason Nazi Germany Crushed France During World War II. In May 1940, the German Wehrmacht launched a lightning attack into France and within weeks destroyed the combined French and British armies.

How did the French defend themselves against the German invasion?

Focused on preventing another German incursion into French territory, Paris had formed a military doctrine giving primacy to the defensive. The intent was to first blunt any invasion, and once the enemy had been sufficiently weakened, to transition to the offensive.

Did the Germans recognize the French as the military Masters of Europe?

In light of the dramatic collapse of the French armed forces in 1940, it is hard to imagine that up until that point they had been recognized—including by the Germans—as the military masters of Europe. France had emerged victorious over the Germans in the Great War, and imposed the Treaty of Versailles on Berlin, a punitive, humiliating armistice.

Did Paris have another option in 1940?

Paris did have another option in 1940. France surrendered to the Nazis in 1940 for complex reasons. The proximate cause, of course, was the success of the German invasion, which left metropolitan France at the mercy of Nazi armies. But the German victory opened profound rifts in French society.