The Battle of Paris was one of the most significant battles of World War II, fought between the German forces and the Allied forces. The battle lasted for almost a month, from 19 August to 25 August 1944, and resulted in the liberation of Paris from German occupation.
But who actually won the battle? Let’s take a closer look at what happened.
The German Occupation
Before we dive into the details of the battle itself, let’s first take a brief look at how Paris fell under German occupation in the first place. In June 1940, just weeks after Germany invaded France, Paris was declared an open city and surrendered to the Germans without a fight. The French government fled to Vichy, leaving behind a puppet government that collaborated with the Germans.
For four years, Paris remained under German control as they used it as their base of operations in France. The city suffered greatly during this time, with food shortages and curfews becoming a regular part of life for its inhabitants.
The Liberation Begins
In August 1944, General Charles de Gaulle ordered an uprising against the Germans in Paris. The French Resistance joined forces with Allied troops to launch an attack on the city. On 19 August, they began their assault on several key points in Paris.
The fighting was intense as both sides battled for control. The Germans were determined to hold onto their stronghold while the Allies were equally determined to liberate one of Europe’s most iconic cities.
The Turning Point
Despite fierce resistance from the Germans, the tide turned on 25 August when General Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered his troops to push into Paris. By that afternoon, Allied troops had reached Notre-Dame Cathedral and raised the French flag atop it.
The German commander in charge of Paris surrendered that same day, effectively ending four years of occupation.
The Winner
So, who won the Battle of Paris? The answer is clear: the Allied forces and the French Resistance emerged victorious. They fought tirelessly to liberate the city and succeeded in doing so.
The liberation of Paris was a significant moment in World War II, boosting morale for both the French and the Allies. It was also a symbolic victory, as it showed that Nazi Germany was not invincible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Battle of Paris was a hard-fought battle that resulted in the liberation of one of Europe’s most iconic cities. The Allied forces and the French Resistance emerged victorious after weeks of intense fighting against German forces. This victory not only boosted morale but also symbolized a turning point in World War II.