The Rest Is History 622. The Nazis at War: The Fall of France (Part 3)
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Dec 1, 2025 Explore the dramatic events of the Battle of Dunkirk as the Allies faced imminent defeat. Discover Churchill’s steadfast decision to evacuate and the surprising role of civilian boats in Operation Dynamo. Unpack the German halt order that allowed crucial breathing space for the Allied forces. The episode also dives into the challenges faced by both the Luftwaffe and RAF. Experience the emotional and morale-boosting impact of Dunkirk on Britain and witness the fallout in France as the government grapples with impending collapse.
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France Fights On Despite Evacuation
- After Dunkirk German forces turned south and pressed to capture Paris, forcing continued French resistance.
- French counterattacks, including by de Gaulle, temporarily slowed Germans but could not stop the advance.
De Gaulle's Abbeville Counterattack
- Charles de Gaulle led a counterattack at Abbeville that failed to dislodge Germans but bought time for evacuations.
- De Gaulle's action later framed him as a determined resistor and shaped his postwar stature.
Political Fracture Drove Surrender
- French leadership quickly fractured as defeat loomed, with Pétain and Weygand pushing for armistice to avoid chaos.
- Political divisions and fear of internal revolution accelerated France's decision to seek terms.
