What happened to the French Army after Germany invaded?

What happened to the French Army after Germany invaded?

French POWs were sent to camps in Germany where they were quickly set to work on farms, in industry, mines and on the railways, to replace German men away fighting. The POWs lived and worked alongside the German population, leading to both tensions and friendships.

When did the German army invade France?

Battle of France, (May 10–June 25, 1940), during World War II, the German invasion of the Low Countries and France.

Why was France defeated so quickly in ww2?

France suffered a humiliating defeat and was quickly occupied by Germany. Its failure was a result of a hopelessly divided French political elite, a lack of quality military leadership, rudimentary French military tactics.

Did the French fight in ww2?

They fought battles all over the world from 1940 to 1945, and sometimes fighting against each other. These forces were composite, made of rebel factions and colonial troops; France controlled a large colonial empire, only third to the British empire.

How strong was the French army in ww2?

In 1939 the French Army had 900,000 regular soldiers. However, it another 5 million men who had been trained and could be called-up in time of war. After war was declared the vast majority of the army, 100 divisions, were stationed on the frontier facing Germany.

What happened in the Battle of France in WW2?

Battle of France (May 10–June 25, 1940), during World War II, the German invasion of the Low Countries and France. In just over six weeks, German armed forces overran Belgium and the Netherlands, drove the British Expeditionary Force from the Continent, captured Paris, and forced the surrender of the French government.

When did the German invasion of France take place?

Overview of the German invasion of France and the Low Countries, 1940. Battle of France, (May 10–June 25, 1940), during World War II, the German invasion of the Low Countries and France.

How powerful was the French army in WW1?

France’s 800,000-man standing army was thought at the time to be the most powerful in Europe. But the French had not progressed beyond the defensive mentality inherited from World War I, and they relied primarily on their Maginot Line for protection against a German offensive.

Why did France have several regular and irregular armies during WW2?

France had several regular and irregular army forces during World War II; this was partially due to a major geopolitical change.