The Second World War was one of the most catastrophic events in human history. The war saw the rise of Nazi Germany and its leader Adolf Hitler, who went on to conquer vast territories across Europe.
One of the most intriguing questions that historians have been trying to answer is why did the German Army not destroy Paris during the war? Let’s delve deeper into this question and explore some answers.
The Fall of Paris
Paris, the capital city of France, fell to the Germans on June 14th, 1940. The fall was swift and sudden as the French army was no match for the powerful German forces. Hitler ordered his troops to occupy Paris, which they did without much resistance from the French army.
The Plan to Destroy Paris
After taking control of Paris, Hitler had initially planned to destroy it. The plan was called “Operation Yellow” and involved demolishing several iconic buildings such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, and Arc de Triomphe. Hitler believed that destroying these landmarks would demoralize the French people and help in his propaganda efforts.
The Role of General Dietrich von Choltitz
General Dietrich von Choltitz was appointed as the military governor of Paris by Hitler. He was tasked with carrying out “Operation Yellow” but something unexpected happened. General Choltitz disobeyed Hitler’s orders and refused to destroy Paris.
The Reason Behind Choltitz’s Decision
There are several reasons why General Choltitz decided not to follow Hitler’s orders. One reason could be that he simply did not want to be remembered in history as someone who destroyed one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Another reason could be that he saw no military advantage in destroying Paris.
The Role of Swedish Diplomat Raoul Nordling
Another crucial factor that prevented the destruction of Paris was the role played by Swedish diplomat Raoul Nordling. Nordling had been living in Paris for several years and had developed close relationships with many high-ranking officials in the city. He used his connections to persuade General Choltitz not to destroy Paris.
The Aftermath
Paris remained untouched and intact during the war, and after the war, it became a symbol of resilience and hope. The decision not to destroy Paris had a significant impact on how France and the rest of the world viewed Germany. It showed that even in times of war, there can be moments of humanity and compassion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there were several reasons why the German Army did not destroy Paris during World War II. The disobedience of General Choltitz, the role played by Raoul Nordling, and the lack of military advantage are some of the factors that prevented Hitler from achieving his plan to demolish one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Today, Paris stands as a testament to human perseverance and resilience in times of war.