The liberation of Paris during World War II stands as one of the most significant moments in France’s history. Its liberation was a turning point in the conflictmarking the end of the German occupation and the restoration of hope for its citizens. Following the enemy invasion in 1940Paris fell under the iron grip of Germanyand for four long years endured oppressioncurfews and the persecution of its Jewish population.
The occupiers sought to crush the French spirit and impose their ideologies upon the once-vibrant city. Howevereven under such dire circumstancesthe seeds of resistance began to take rootgiving birth to the French Resistance. This clandestine network of patriotsordinary citizens and intellectuals defied the German regime by operating undergroundgathering intelligenceassisting Allied servicemen trapped behind enemy lines and conducting acts of sabotage.
The French Resistance was instrumental in paving the way for the liberation of Paris. As WWII progressedthe tides began to turn against the Axis powers. In June 1944the Allies launched the Normandy invasioncodenamed Operation Neptune. This success marked a pivotal moment in the warand the Allies began their advance across France.
As they approached Paristhe French Resistance saw an opportunity to take action. On August 191944an uprising erupted in the citysparked by calls of Resistance leaders and the Parisian public’s determination to free themselves from German rule. Barricades were erected on the streets and Resistance fightersoften minimally armedfaced their occupiers.
Free French forces arrived on August 24under the command of Gen. Philippe Leclerc. Recognizing the futility of his men’s effortsthe German military governor of ParisGen. Dietrich von Choltitzsurrendered on August 25. Gen. Charles de Gaulle arrived soon aftermarching down the Champs-Élysées to re-occupy the city’s War Ministry.
The liberation of Paris was completeand the city erupted in celebration as it welcomed the end of the German occupation.
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Not only were they able to celebrate their newfound freedomthey were soon able to commemorate many important anniversaries that they previously couldn’t during the occupation. Paris was liberated just in time for there to be a military parade held to mark the victory against Germany during the First World War. The above photo shows American soldiers marching across the free city in the November 111944 parade.