German campaign (1940)

German campaign (1940)
Name	German campaign (1940)
Partof	World War II
Caption	Map of the 1940 invasion of Western Europe
Date	May–June 1940
Place	Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, France
Result	German victory; occupation of Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, northern and western France

German campaign (1940) The 1940 German campaign was a rapid series of operations in Western Europe that led to the defeat of Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and large parts of France. It featured decisive maneuver warfare by the Wehrmacht and innovative coordination among the Heer, Luftwaffe, and Kriegsmarine, and produced strategic consequences for the United Kingdom, Soviet Union, and Italy.

Background

In the aftermath of the Invasion of Poland and the Phoney War, the strategic situation in Europe was shaped by the Treaty of Versailles, the rise of Nazi Germany, and the diplomatic alignments of the Axis powers and Allied powers. The Maginot Line reflected French defensive doctrine influenced by lessons from the Battle of Verdun and figures such as Philippe Pétain and Ferdinand Foch. British planning under Neville Chamberlain and leaders like Winston Churchill debated options after the Norwegian campaign. German operational thought, informed by proponents like Heinz Guderian, emphasized combined arms and the use of Blitzkrieg concepts that drew on earlier German practices from the First World War and thinkers including Erich von Manstein and Gerd von Rundstedt.

Prelude and planning

German planning centered on Fall Gelb and subsequent operations shaped by directives from Adolf Hitler and staff work by the Oberkommando des Heeres (OKH) and Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (OKW). The Manstein Plan—advocated by commanders including Erich von Manstein and implemented by field commanders such as Gerd von Rundstedt and Friedrich Paulus—called for an armored thrust through the Ardennes to cut off Allied forces. Luftwaffe leadership under Hermann Göring prioritized air superiority and interdiction against Royal Air Force and French Air Force bases. German diplomatic context involved the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, distraction from the Spanish Civil War, and the neutral status of Belgium and the Netherlands, which concerned leaders like Paul Reynaud and Édouard Daladier in France and Winston Churchill in the United Kingdom. Allied planning—coordinated by staffs including the Supreme War Council (United Kingdom and France) and influenced by officers such as Lord Gort and Alan Brooke—anticipated a frontal assault through the Low Countries like in World War I, but underestimated German operational innovation.

German invasion (May–June 1940)

On 10 May 1940 German forces invaded Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg and launched Fall Gelb, followed by Fall Rot. The Battle of the Netherlands saw rapid airborne operations using Fallschirmjäger under the command of leaders such as Kurt Student, while the Battle of Belgium and the Battle of Fort Eben-Emael highlighted Sturmabteilung-supported surprises and Glider infantry tactics. Panzer formations under commanders like Heinz Guderian and Erwin Rommel executed the breakthrough at the Meuse River near Sedan, employing tanks including Panzerkampfwagen IV and tactics developed from exercises such as the 1937 manoeuvres. The Battle of France unfolded with enveloping movements across the Somme and Aisne, rapid advances towards the English Channel, and the encirclement of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) and French First Army. The Fall of the Netherlands culminated with the bombing of Rotterdam and capitulation; the Belgian surrender followed; Luxembourg was occupied with little resistance.

Allied response and evacuation

Allied responses involved coordination among the British Expeditionary Force, French Army, and Belgian and Dutch formations, with political leaders including Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle reacting to operational collapse. The counterattack at Arras temporarily disrupted German momentum but failed to restore front cohesion. The rapid German advance forced the evacuation at Dunkirk (Operation Dynamo), involving the Royal Navy, civilian vessels colloquially known as the "little ships", and commanders like Admiral Bertram Ramsay. The evacuation saved much of the BEF and some French units, enabling subsequent resistance under Free France leadership by Charles de Gaulle. Meanwhile the Fall Rot phase saw German drives towards Paris and the Armistice of 22 June 1940 negotiations involving Philippe Pétain and representatives of the Vichy regime.

Campaign outcomes and consequences

The campaign resulted in occupation of the Low Countries and the defeat of France, the establishment of the Vichy France government, and the loss of large amounts of materiel for the Allied powers. Politically it bolstered Adolf Hitler's position, influenced Benito Mussolini's calculations leading to Italy's entry into the war, and altered Soviet Union perceptions ahead of later diplomatic interactions. The campaign shaped Battle of Britain preparations, affecting Royal Air Force strategy and prompting British rearmament and strategic reassessment under Winston Churchill. The swift victory informed German doctrine and was studied by militaries globally, provoking debates among theorists like J.F.C. Fuller and Basil Liddell Hart.

Orders of battle and forces involved

German forces included panzer and infantry divisions of the Wehrmacht, specialized units such as the Fallschirmjäger of the Luftwaffe, and support from the SS-Verfügungstruppe elements; key commanders included Heinz Guderian, Erwin Rommel, Gerd von Rundstedt, Fedor von Bock, and Walther von Reichenau. Allied forces comprised the French Army with formations such as the French Third Republic's field armies, the British Expeditionary Force commanded by John Vereker, 6th Viscount Gort (Lord Gort), the Belgian Army under leaders like Émile Janssens and later Victor van Strydonck de Burkel, the Royal Netherlands Army commanded by figures including Henri Winkelman, and units from Luxembourg and colonial contingents from the French Colonial Empire. The Royal Air Force and French Air Force contested airspace against the Luftwaffe wings and squadrons equipped with aircraft including the Messerschmitt Bf 109, Heinkel He 111, Dornier Do 17, Supermarine Spitfire, and Hawker Hurricane. Naval forces involved the Kriegsmarine, the Royal Navy fleets including commanders such as Admiral John Tovey, and merchant and civilian vessels engaged in Operation Dynamo and convoy operations in the English Channel and North Sea.

Category:Battles of World War II Category:Western European campaigns of World War II