Who Liberated Paris in 1945?

By Anna Duncan

Who Liberated Paris in 1945?

When we think of the liberation of Paris during World War II, the image that often comes to mind is that of the triumphant French resistance fighters parading down the Champs-Élysées. But who exactly liberated Paris in 1945? Let’s delve into this historic event and uncover the key players.

The Battle for Paris

In August 1944, after years of German occupation, the Allied forces launched a massive offensive to liberate Paris. The battle for the city was fierce and lasted for several days, with Allied troops pushing back against German defenses.

The French Resistance

One of the crucial factors in the liberation of Paris was the role played by the French Resistance. This underground movement had been operating throughout France since the German occupation began in 1940. The resistance fighters carried out acts of sabotage and gathered intelligence to aid the Allies.

  • Sabotage: The French Resistance engaged in acts of sabotage, Targeting infrastructure like railways and communication lines to disrupt German operations.
  • Gathering Intelligence: Resistance members risked their lives to gather information about German troop movements and pass it on to Allied forces.

The Allies

The Allied forces consisted primarily of American, British, and Canadian troops. They fought alongside French resistance fighters to liberate Paris from Nazi control. General Dwight D. Eisenhower led these forces as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force.

The Liberation

On August 25th, 1944, after days of intense fighting and negotiations between German commanders and French resistance leaders, Paris was officially liberated. General Charles de Gaulle, leader of the Free French Forces, made a triumphant return to the city and declared its liberation.

The Parade

To celebrate the liberation of Paris, a grand parade was held on August 26th. Thousands of people lined the streets, cheering and waving flags as Allied troops and French resistance fighters marched through the city. This iconic event symbolized the end of German occupation and marked a turning point in World War II.

In conclusion, it was a combination of the French Resistance’s bravery and persistence, along with the Allied forces’ military might, that led to the liberation of Paris in 1945. This historic event stands as a testament to the power of unity and determination in defeating tyranny.