What if France Invaded Germany in the September Campaign of 1939?

The September campaign of 1939 saw France and other Allied nations facing Germany in trench-like battles, known as the Phoney War. If France had chosen to launch a proper invasion against Germany, it could have altered the course of World War II significantly. This article explores the potential outcomes and implications of such an invasion.

Military Surprise and Momentum

An invasion by France could have caught Germany off guard, especially if it occurred before the full mobilization of German forces. With the French military having significant resources, an early push into German territory could have resulted in early gains. This would have weakened Germany and potentially delayed their early-stage success across the continent, up until late 1941. However, such a move would still depend on the effectiveness of France's strategy and the coordination with other Allied nations.

Impact on the Phoney War

The period known as the Phoney War was marked by a lack of significant military engagements between the Allied and Axis powers. An invasion by France would have brought an end to this lull, changing the nature of the conflict. The Allied nations, particularly France and the United Kingdom, would have needed to coordinate closely to ensure the success of the campaign. If the British had provided adequate support, the Allied position would have been strengthened, potentially altering the tide of battle.

German Response

Germany would have had to respond quickly to an invasion by France. Given their military doctrine and strategies, a counter-offensive aimed at destabilizing the French advance was a likely response. The effectiveness of the German Blitzkrieg tactics would have been tested in this scenario, and the outcome would have been crucial in determining the early stages of the conflict.

Political Ramifications

A successful French invasion could have dramatically altered the political landscape in Europe. It might have bolstered morale among Allied nations and encouraged resistance movements in occupied territories. Conversely, a failed invasion could have led to a collapse in French morale and increased support for Germany. The political ramifications of such an invasion would have been far-reaching and could have influenced the decision-making of other Allied and Axis nations.

Long-term Consequences

If France had succeeded in pushing into German territory, it might have delayed or even prevented the fall of France in 1940. However, a prolonged conflict could have resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. This scenario would have required France to maintain a sustained and effective offensive, which would have been challenging given their resources and the German counter-measures.

Public Sentiment

The success or failure of an earlier invasion would have significantly influenced public sentiment in France and the United Kingdom. A successful invasion might have rallied public support for the war effort, while a failure could have led to calls for peace negotiations or a change in leadership. Domestic morale and international perception are critical factors in the success of any military campaign.

In summary, an early French invasion of Germany in September 1939 could have significantly altered the course of World War II, impacting military strategies, political alliances, and the morale of both the Allied and Axis powers. However, the outcome would have heavily depended on the execution of the invasion and the responses from both the German military and the Allied nations.