During World War II, Paris was one of the few European cities that wasn’t destroyed by the conflicts. It is a question that has puzzled historians for years – Why was Paris spared in World War II?
The German Occupation of Paris
When France surrendered to Germany in 1940, Hitler ordered the occupation of Paris. The Germans had already invaded Poland, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, and the Netherlands and they were determined to conquer France too. General Charles de Gaulle fled to London and set up a government-in-exile.
The Germans occupied Paris for four long years until August 25th, 1944 when they finally retreated. However, during this time they did not destroy the city as would have been expected.
The Role of Hitler
One possible reason why Paris was spared during World War II could be attributed to Adolf Hitler himself. Despite his reputation as a ruthless dictator who ordered the destruction of entire cities such as Warsaw and Rotterdam, he had a soft spot for Paris.
Hitler loved French culture and art and he was known to visit Paris frequently before the war. He saw it as a jewel in his crown and didn’t want to see it destroyed.
The French Resistance
Another reason why Paris wasn’t destroyed during World War II could be attributed to the French Resistance movement. The resistance fighters carried out guerrilla attacks on German soldiers, sabotaged their supplies and engaged in other forms of underground warfare.
Their efforts meant that the Germans had their hands full trying to contain them and couldn’t concentrate on destroying Paris as they did with other cities.
Other Factors
Other factors that contributed to sparing Paris include:
- The Allied bombing campaign Targeted strategic locations such as ports and factories rather than civilian areas.
- Paris was largely spared from heavy fighting due to its location away from major battlefields.
- The German commander, General Dietrich von Choltitz, famously disobeyed Hitler’s order to destroy the city and surrendered to the Allies instead.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several reasons why Paris was spared in World War II. Hitler’s love for French culture and art could have played a role, as well as the efforts of the French Resistance and other factors such as strategic bombing campaigns and its location away from major battlefields.
Regardless of the reasons why Paris wasn’t destroyed during World War II, it remains a beautiful city that continues to attract millions of visitors each year. Its history is a testament to the resiliency of its people and their ability to overcome adversity.
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