WWII History

[Nemo]

If you are interested.

Nemo

http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/the-shocking-reason-nazi-germany-crushed-france-during-world-25658

The Shocking Reason Nazi Germany Crushed France During World War II
Daniel L. Davis

May 2, 2018

In May 1940, the German Wehrmacht launched a lightning attack into France and within weeks destroyed the combined French and British armies. The rapid defeat is typically ascribed to a combination of the French High Command’s attempts to refight the methodical battle of World War I against Germany’s adoption of new mobile, all-arms warfare. Those philosophical factors certainly played a major role in the outcome, but something much more elemental and human may have been the deciding factor: fearless, intelligent and sometimes ruthless leadership at the point of contact.

Click link above for rest of story.  Worth the read, IMHO.

And worth thinking about.

[JohnyMac]

In short, the French wrongly relied on the Maginot Line for their countries defense. Stupid!

We can all learn something from this if the SHTF. For you folks who believe they will shelter-in-place and survive will not. Pure and simple.

We learned via Vietnam, you need to run 3-4 person patrols outside the wire to keep the enemy at bay. Your redoubt should be the last defense.   

[Kbop]

Hitler needed to 'redeem' his country's 'spirit' - my German translation is bad <from one of Hitler's speeches>.
The French learned alot about how to fight trench warfare - but didn't adapt well to the new technology of the time.
And as JM mentioned - the French have never been very good a strategic planning.
I would like to second JM's thoughts on a shelter - Shelters are for storms.  all fortifications have a common fault - they can't move and that makes them vulnerable to human attack.
You have to control the countryside to be safe - good neighbors, friendly towns, a cohesive state, etc.

[JoJo]

 The Germans invaded Belgium first and when the French reacted to the invasion in the north the German came in behind them and attacked France.
 The wall worked by causing the Germans to go around it. The French had the better tanks and equipment but the generals fought the battles in WWI speed and with poor tactics. Slow to react.