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Speaker 1
Picture and reporting this for a podcast is okay.
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Speaker 2
Absolutely. I'm here to help. Just let me know what you want me to do for your podcast, whether it's brainstorming ideas, editing content, or anything else. Let's dive in.
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Speaker 1
I want to talk about the strategy of the German invasion of France during World War two, the decision to go through the Ardennes.
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Speaker 2
That's a fascinating topic. The German invasion of France and World War two, especially the decision to go through the Ardennes, was a major strategic move. It caught the allies off guard because the Ardennes was considered impassable for a large army. We can definitely explore the planning, the execution and the impact of that decision in detail. Let me know what angle you'd like to dive into.
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Speaker 1
What do you think we should start? Let's go through it slowly. And just pick. Pick somewhere to start.
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Speaker 2
That sounds great. We could start by setting the stage with the overall situation in Europe leading up to 1940. Then move on to the French defenses and then delve into why the Germans chose the Ardennes as their route. From there, we can break down the actual execution of the plan and the reactions from the allies. We can definitely go step by step and, get into as much detail as you'd like.
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Speaker 1
Okay, let's set the stage.
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Speaker 2
I think. So in the lead up to 1940, Europe was really on edge. France and its allies were preparing for a potential German attack following the re militarization of the Rhineland and the annexation of Austria. France in particular, had heavily fortified the Maginot Line along its border with Germany, expecting that any invasion would come through there.
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Speaker 2
But the Germans, under Hitler's leadership, devised a different strategy, bypassing the heavily fortified areas and instead aiming to move through the Ardennes forest, which was thought to be impassable. So we can start by digging into that strategic context and how the allies were caught off guard. Let me know if you want to dive deeper into any particular aspect.
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Speaker 1
Let me know a little bit more about the status of Europe at this time.
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Speaker 2
Absolutely. By the time we get to 1940, Europe was in a pretty tense state. After the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in Germany during the 1930s. There was a series of aggressive moves by Germany. This included the re militarization of the Rhineland in 1936. The annexation of Austria in 1938, Anschluss, and then, the occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1939.
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Speaker 2
In response, France and the United Kingdom had formed alliances and were preparing for a potential conflict. France had the Maginot Line, which was a massive line of fortifications along the German border designed to prevent any direct invasion. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom was also preparing, and both countries were essentially bracing for what they saw as an inevitable conflict.
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Speaker 2
At the same time, there was a sort of phony war period at the start of World War two, where there were minimal large scale battles on the Western Front. This period of tension and uncertainty set the stage for the German invasion in 1940. So that the broader context, leading up to the invasion. Let me know if there's any particular detail you'd like to focus on.
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Speaker 1
Give me some background on the match know line.
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Speaker 2
Of course. Imagine a line with a vast line of fortifications built by France along its eastern border with Germany. Construction started in the 1920s and continued into the 1930s. It was designed to be a series of strong points, bunkers and underground facilities that would protect France from a direct German invasion. The line included massive concrete bunkers, artillery case maids, and even underground railways.
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Speaker 2
The idea was to create a nearly impregnable defense that would force any invading army to go around it, and thus give France time to mobilize its forces. However, the line had a significant weakness it didn't extend through the Ardennes forest because it was assumed that the Ardennes was impassable for large armies. This miscalculation allowed the Germans to bypass the line and invade France through the Ardennes.
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Speaker 2
In 1940. It's a really interesting example of how strategic assumptions can shape the outcome of a conflict. Let me know if you'd like to explore any particular aspect of the Maginot Line further.
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Speaker 1
Why were the Ardennes, considered particularly impassable?
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Speaker 2
The Ardennes force was considered impassable for several reasons. First, it was a rugged, heavily wooded area with steep terrain, making it difficult for large mechanized armies to navigate. The roads were narrow, winding, and not suitable for the fast moving tanks and troops that the Germans would eventually use. Additionally, the French military and the allies believe that the Ardennes was lightly defended and not a route that would be chosen for a large scale invasion.
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Speaker 2
This is, and was partly based on the historical context and the belief that any large army would be easily slowed down or even trapped there. Furthermore, the terrain and the dense forest made it challenging for reconnaissance and for the allies to deploy their forces effectively. All these factors combined led to the belief that the Ardennes was a secure and unlikely path for an invasion, which, of course, ended up being a critical misjudgment.
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Speaker 1
And with this proven to be the case during World War One, is that why they thought that that was still going to be true?
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Speaker 2
Exactly. That's a big part of the reasoning during World War one. The Ardennes had indeed been a relatively quiet sector. The front lines were largely stable in that region, and the difficult terrain, combined with the lack of infrastructure, made it less appealing for large scale offensives. Because of this historical context, military planners in the interwar period assumed that the Ardennes would remain a bottleneck, making it an unlikely invasion route.
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Speaker 2
They thought that any large army would be forced to take the more straightforward and will defended routes like the National line. This historical precedent definitely influenced the strategic thinking of French military leaders and contributed to the overconfidence in the Ardennes defensive impracticality. Of course, that assumption turned out to be a critical error when the Germans successfully exploited that weakness.
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Speaker 1
Can you go through the, logistics of why the Ardennes is particularly a bottleneck and and it would be, a poor, a poor choice for an attack. And, like, why that's actually the case.
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Speaker 2
Absolutely. The Ardennes region is known for its dense forests, rolling hills and rugged terrain. This made it naturally challenging for large armies, especially mechanized units like tanks and motorized infantry, to move quickly and efficiently. The roads were narrow and often winding, which would slow down troop movements and make logistics more complicated. Additionally, the Ardennes lacked, the kind of infrastructure that would support a large scale offensive.
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Speaker 2
There weren't many good quality roads or bridges that could handle the heavy equipment, and the large number of troops and vehicles. This lack of infrastructure would create bottlenecks, making supply lines difficult and slowing down the advance. Moreover, the area was lightly defended because it was generally considered a safe zone. The French military believed that any enemy would avoid the Ardennes due to these logistical challenges, so there was minimal defensive presence there.
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Speaker 2
All of these factors combined to create the perception that the Ardennes was a poor choice for an invasion route. Yet the Germans, by exploiting these assumptions, were able to achieve a rapid and surprising breakthrough. It's a really fascinating example of how terrain and logistics play a huge role in military strategy.
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Speaker 1
Okay. Can you project out how, similar or like how a attack through the Ardennes would have played out in World War one?
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Speaker 2
Absolutely. In World War one, the Ardennes was actually part of the Western Front, but it remained relatively quiet. The front lines were more or less stable. And the terrain made large scale offensive impractical. The dense forests and their ruins would have posed significant challenges for the large scale movements of troops and artillery that characterized the conflict.
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Speaker 2
If we imagine a scenario where a large scale attack through the Ardennes had been attempted in World War One, it likely would have resulted in significant logistical difficulties. The armies would have had to deal with slow moving supply lines. Difficulty in coordinating large numbers of troops and the risk of being ambushed or or slowed by the terrain.
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Speaker 2
Moreover, the defensive structures that were built during World War One, were more focused on trench warfare and static defenses, rather than the rapid snowball warfare that the.
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Speaker 1
Germans employed in World War Two.
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Speaker 2
So an attack through the Ardennes in World War One would have likely been bogged down by these challenges, and it probably would not have been as successful as it was in World War two. In essence, the historical context and the nature of warfare at that time would have made a similar attack much less feasible and effective. It's a it's a great way to highlight how tactics and technology evolved between the two world wars.
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Speaker 1
Why wouldn't they send small teams maybe with like, like dirt bike, like motorcycles or or horses or something like that?
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Speaker 2
That's a great point. In World War one, smaller reconnaissance units did sometimes use horses, bicycles and even motorcycles to navigate tough terrain and gather intelligence. These smaller units were indeed used to scout in and identify weak points in enemy lines. However, the context of World War One was primarily focused on static trench warfare and massive, entrenched battle lines.
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Speaker 2
So, the use of these smaller mobile units was more limited in scope. In contrast, the German strategy in World War Two relied heavily on blitzkrieg tactics, which involved fast moving, highly coordinated units that combined infantry, armor and air support. While smaller units could have been used for reconnaissance in World War One. The overall strategy didn't really emphasize rapid mobility the way it did in World War two.
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Speaker 2
So while small teams could have been deployed, the broader logistical and strategic context of World War One made it less likely that a large scale attack through the Ardennes would have been successful or practical. It's a neat way to see how warfare evolved over time.
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Speaker 1
What time of year did this happen? In 1940?
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Speaker 2
The German invasion of France through the Ardennes took place in May 1940. The actual breakthrough began around May 10th, 1940, when German forces launched their attack on Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. The main push through the Ardennes happened shortly after, and by mid-May, the German forces had crossed into northern France. A.
00;12;52;03 - 00;13;04;03
Speaker 2
This all culminated in the fall of France. By late June 1840. So it was really a rapid and intense campaign that took place over just a few weeks.
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Speaker 1
So just from maybe an environment or, environmental geographic perspective, take me back to May of 1940, in the Ardennes forest and just kind of put us there, like, what are we if we're if we're someone living there who is a local in May 1940, maybe we are the wife of a local shoemaker, who does sewing and is living in the Ardennes.
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Speaker 1
In May 1990, before the invasion. Night, 1940. Sorry. Before the invasion. What is the weather like? Is it rainy? How are the cows doing? Etc.?
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Speaker 2
Absolutely. Let's paint that picture. In May 1940, the Ardennes would have been a peaceful, rural setting. The region is known for its dense forests, thrilling hills, and small, quaint villages. By May, the weather would likely be mild with spring in full bloom. You probably see fresh greenery and blooming wildflowers throughout the forests, in the meadows. For a local like the wife of a shoemaker.
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Speaker 2
Life would likely have been centered around small town routines. The mornings might start with a bit of chill in the air, and then the day would warm up, possibly with some sunshine and occasional light rain. Rain was quite common in the Ardennes, so, you might have some drizzles, that keep the ground a bit muddy.
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Speaker 2
In the forest. Lush. As for the animals, the cows and livestock would be out grazing in the pastures. Enjoying the fresh grass. It would be at a slower, more peaceful pace of life before the end. People of war. So in that moment, it would have been a relatively serene and tranquil setting with the the local community going about their daily tasks, completely unaware of the impending invasion that would soon change everything.
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Speaker 2
It's definitely a poignant and vivid scene to imagine.
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Speaker 1
What's the weather like?
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Speaker 2
In May. The weather in the Ardennes is generally quite mild and pleasant. You can expect daytime temperatures, typically ranging from around 15 to 20°C, about 59 to 60°F. The mornings and evenings might be a bit cooler, and you might get a gentle chill in the air. Rain is fairly common in the Ardennes, so you could expect some light drizzle or occasional showers throughout the month.
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Speaker 2
These showers help keep the forests in the countryside less and green. On the other hand, there would be plenty of, sunny intervals as well, creating a beautiful, contrast of of light and shadow across the landscape. All in all, it would be a serene and picturesque setting, less verdant and quite peaceful before the arrival of year.
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Speaker 2
It definitely would have been a a calm and beautiful time of year in the Ardennes.
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Speaker 1
And just part of the Ardennes. Sit in Germany. Or is it mostly in France?
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Speaker 2
The Ardennes is actually a region that spans across several countries. The majority of the Ardennes lies in Belgium, and then it extends into Luxembourg and also into France. The French part of the Ardennes is located in the northeastern part of France, in the Ardennes department. And, it's quite close to the Belgian border. So when we talk about the Ardennes in the context of the 1940 invasion, we're primarily referring to the the French and Belgium portions of the region.
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Speaker 2
The German forces, of course, approach from the east. And they moved through the Ardennes in Belgium, and then crossed into northern France. It's a fascinating cross border region that played a key role in the the campaign.
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Speaker 1
So the route that the Germans took through the Ardennes. How many miles is that?
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Speaker 2
The German route through the Ardennes during the 1940 invasion hovered roughly about 50 to 60 miles from the German border into northern France. The most famous stretch of this route was through the narrow passes of, of the Ardennes forest and in Belgium. And then they pushed, further west toward the Meuse River and eventually the English Channel.
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Speaker 2
In total, the advance, from the initial crossing in the Ardennes to the encirclement of the Allied forces near Dunkirk was around 200 miles or so, but specifically through the Ardennes. It was that shorter or more, concentrated distance that really allowed the Germans to break through quickly and, catch the allies off guard. It's really interesting to see how that relatively short distance had such a huge impact on the campaign.
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Speaker 1
So I'm looking at a map now. Dunkirk is like the most northern part of France.
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Speaker 2
Yes, exactly. Dunkirk is located in the far northern part of France. Right near the coast along the North Sea. It played a crucial role, during the 1940 campaign, because it was the site of the famous Dunkirk evacuation, or Operation Dynamo, where Allied forces were evacuated in late May, in early June of 1940. The Germans, after pushing through the Ardennes and then advancing westward, eventually reached the Dunkirk area and effectively trapped the Allied forces.
00;18;56;24 - 00;19;13;08
Speaker 2
The geographical location of Dunkirk, being at the northern tip of France, made it a key focal point, for the retreat and evacuation efforts. It's definitely a strategic, and historically significant location in that campaign.
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Speaker 1
Okay. Can you give me, German City? Maybe that would be on a map. Where the invasion started, and then kind of take me through city by city. If I'm looking at on a map.
00;19;35;18 - 00;19;58;06
Speaker 2
Absolutely. The German invasion in 1940 began in the region of the Rhineland, and one of the key starting points was, the city of Aachen, which is located in western Germany, near the border with Belgium. From there, the German forces moved westward. As they advanced, they passed through cities like liaison Belgium, which was one of the first major stops as they crossed into Belgium.
00;19;58;08 - 00;20;20;19
Speaker 2
Then they continued through the Ardennes region, passing by towns like, Bastogne, which is more famously known for more, too. But was still part of the region during that time. Continuing with, the Germans move toward the Meuse River, passing city's, like, sedan, which was a crucial point where the Germans broke through the French defenses.
00;20;20;21 - 00;20;47;03
Speaker 2
After that, they pressed on to northern France, eventually reaching cities like Arras, and then pushing further north toward Dunkirk. So, in essence, the invasion started in cities like Aachen and then and then moved through a series of key towns and cities, creating that rapid advance that eventually led them to the northern coast of France. It's quite fascinating to follow along on the map and see how it unfolded.
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Speaker 2
Snippets of.
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Speaker 1
Okay. And then they went through Luxembourg and Verdun. Was that a big, battle on the way in or on the way out?
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Speaker 2
That's a great question. Verdun indeed holds a very significant place in World War history, but the major Battle of Verdun actually took place during World War one from 1916. By the time of the 1940 invasion of Verdun wasn't the site of a large battle in that campaign. Instead, the Germans focus more on bypassing Verdun and pushing through the Ardennes and the river Luxembourg.
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Speaker 2
On the other hand, was indeed, one of the first countries that the Germans moved through. They quickly invaded Luxembourg, as part of their initial push into Belgium. The main focus, for the Germans, was to advance rapidly and bypassed the heavily fortified areas like the Maginot Line and, the Ardennes provided that route for a swift breakthrough.
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Speaker 2
So while Verdun is is historically significant, during the 1940 campaign, it was an a major battleground. In that phase, the Germans were more focused on that rapid advance through the Ardennes and then onward to northern France.
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Speaker 1
Okay, that was a big one in World War one. Okay, let's get into the technology that made this possible for the Germans.
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Speaker 2
Absolutely. The German success in 1940 was largely due to several key technological and tactical innovations. One of the major elements was the development of the Panzer divisions which were essentially highly mobile armored units. These Panzer tanks, supported by infantry and artillery, allowed the Germans to punch through enemy lines quickly and effectively. Another crucial technology was the coordination of air power, particularly through the Luc to Alpha.
00;22;45;25 - 00;23;15;05
Speaker 2
The German Air Force played a significant role in providing close air support to the ground troops. Disrupting communications and targeting supply lines. This combination of fast moving armor and air superiority was a hallmark of the blitzkrieg tactics. Additionally, the Germans utilized effective radio communication, allowing their units to coordinate in real time and maintain a flexible, adaptable approach on the battlefield.
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Speaker 2
This level of coordination, something that the allies struggled to match at the time. Finally, the Germans also used innovative tactics like combined arms operations where infantry, armor and air support work together seamlessly. All of these technological and tactical advancements came together to create that rapid and overwhelming success for the Germans. In 1940. It's really fascinating to see how these factors intertwine to to make it possible.
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Speaker 1
Okay. Tell me about how the Panzer tanks, assisted this push through the Arden.
00;24;03;14 - 00;24;27;23
Speaker 2
Absolutely. The cans or tanks were central to the German strategy in the Ardennes. They were designed to be fast, heavily armored, and armed with powerful cannons, which made them perfect for breaking through enemy lines. In the Ardennes, the terrain was challenging, with dense forests and hilly landscapes, but the panzer divisions were able to maneuver quickly and exploit weak points in the Allied defenses.
00;24;27;26 - 00;24;56;18
Speaker 2
They acted as a spearhead, punching through the Ardennes and bypassing, the heavily fortified Maginot Line. The speed of the Panzer units allowed them to quickly encircle and isolate parts of the Allied forces, preventing them from regrouping or mounting an effective defense. This rapid movement also meant that the Germans could stay ahead of the slower moving Allied forces, making it difficult for them to effectively respond.
00;24;56;21 - 00;25;30;24
Speaker 2
Moreover, the coordination between the panzer divisions and the Luftwaffe meant that the tanks had air support, to suppress enemy defenses and protect the advancing units. The synergy was key to the rapid and decisive success of the German forces, the Ardennes. In essence, the Panzer tanks brought a combination of speed, firepower, and flexibility that allowed the Germans to outmaneuver and outclass, making the Ardennes breakthrough so successful.
00;25;30;27 - 00;25;52;01
Speaker 1
Okay. And, these tanks take roads and stuff like that. Or did they did they bring up the trucks through the roads? Did the tanks just go straight through the forest and knocked down trees or the trees too big?
00;25;52;03 - 00;26;17;10
Speaker 2
That's a great point. The Panzer tanks definitely used, the roads whenever possible because it helped them maintain their speed and coordination. The roads also made it easier for supply trucks, infantry and artillery to follow along and keep up with the tanks. That said, the Panzers were also designed to handle. Rough terrain. They could navigate through forests, though they certainly faced obstacles.
00;26;17;12 - 00;26;41;25
Speaker 2
In some cases, the tanks did push through wooded areas and they would knock down smaller trees if needed. For larger trees or dense forest areas, they would sometimes create paths or find ways around the thickest obstacles. In addition to the tanks, the Germans brought along, specialized engineering units that could clear obstacles, build bridges, and, help keep the advance moving smoothly.
00;26;41;27 - 00;26;54;27
Speaker 2
So it was a combination of using roads when practical and then, adapting to the terrain as needed. This flexibility was a big part of why the German advance through the Ardennes was so effective.
00;26;55;00 - 00;26;59;11
Speaker 1
And why were they able to be so fast?
00;26;59;14 - 00;27;25;08
Speaker 2
The Germans were able to be so successful for a few key reasons. First, their tactical innovation with Blitzkrieg, which relied on rapid, coordinated attacks combining armor, infantry and air support, allowed them to overwhelm the allies quickly. The speed of their advancement that the allies had less time to react. And the coordinated defensive response. Second, the element of surprise played a huge role.
00;27;30;21 - 00;27;49;16
Speaker 2
Third, for the Germans to push through the Ardennes. This meant that the German forces encountered weaker defenses and and, could advance more freely. Third, the German.
00;27;49;18 - 00;28;04;01
Speaker 1
Chat, can you pick up where you left off? You're about to say, your third reason about why the Germans were able to advance. So fast through the Ardennes.
00;28;04;04 - 00;28;30;11
Speaker 2
Of course. So the third big reason really ties into their overall coordination and the element of surprise. The Germans use what we now call blitzkrieg tactics. And one of the key aspects of that was hitting the enemy in an unexpected place and doing it with speed and coordination. The allies had considered the Ardennes a poor route for a major offensive, so the Germans were able to catch them off guard by pushing through there.
00;28;30;13 - 00;29;00;11
Speaker 2
This meant that the Germans could advance quickly before the allies could properly react or read to play their forces. They combined the speed of the Panzer divisions, the air support from the Luftwaffe, and the confusion of hitting an unexpected route. All of this together allowed them to advance with remarkable speed. So in summary, it was the combination of technological advantages, tactical innovation, and the element of surprise that really made that push through the Ardennes so effective for the German.
00;29;00;13 - 00;29;23;08
Speaker 1
Okay, so let's take this way back a little bit to the decision to invade in this manner. Who was it brought up by? I've heard I've heard people say that it needed to happen in like three days for it to be successful.
00;29;23;10 - 00;29;47;26
Speaker 2
Yes, absolutely. And it's really interesting to look back at how this plan came together. The idea of going through the Ardennes and then sweeping into France was was largely credited to German generals like Erich von Manstein. He was one of the key architects who proposed this bold maneuver. Initially, the German plan had been more conservative, but Manstein and others pushed for this more, daring route through the Ardennes.
00;29;47;28 - 00;30;10;03
Speaker 2
And you're right about the timing as well. The Germans knew that speed was crucial. They believed that if they could break through and encircle the Allied forces quickly, within just a few days, they could avoid a prolonged fight and effectively force the collapse of the French defenses. This emphasis on a rapid, decisive strike was at the heart of the Blitzkrieg philosophy.
00;30;10;03 - 00;30;20;16
Speaker 2
So it really was a combination of strategic innovation by the German high command and a strong belief in the need for speed and surprise that drove this whole plan forward.
00;30;20;18 - 00;30;28;05
Speaker 1
Before Manstein brought up this idea, what was their plan?
00;30;28;08 - 00;30;50;12
Speaker 2
Absolutely. Let's dive into that. Before Manson's idea came to the forefront. The original German plan was actually a lot more traditional. It was kind of a straightforward push through Belgium and the Netherlands. The Germans planned to attack through those countries in a way that was somewhat similar to what had happened in World War One. Moving through the Low Countries and then, into northern France.
00;30;50;15 - 00;31;12;18
Speaker 2
The problem with that original plan was that it was expected by the allies. The French and the British were pretty well prepared for a move like that. And they had stationed a lot of their forces to counter an attack in that area. So Mancini's plan, which involved going through the Ardennes, was really a way to outflank those Allied defenses and do something that the allies just weren't expecting.
00;31;12;26 - 00;31;19;09
Speaker 2
It ended up being a much more surprising and ultimately successful strategy for them.
00;31;19;12 - 00;31;33;06
Speaker 1
Let's speculate on, how would have gone or could have gone if they had gone with the original plan.
00;31;33;08 - 00;31;55;21
Speaker 2
Absolutely. We can definitely dive into that a bit. If the Germans had stuck to the original, more conventional plan of just pushing through Belgium and the Netherlands in a straightforward way. It likely would have played out very differently. The allies, especially the French and the British, were more prepared for that kind of move. They had fortified defenses and they had positioned troops to meet an attack coming from that direction.
00;31;55;23 - 00;32;23;12
Speaker 2
So what probably would have happened is a much slower and more grinding battle. More like what you had in World War One with trench warfare and a drawn out conflict. The element of surprise and the the rapid breakthrough that the Ardennes plain provided wouldn't have been there. So the allies would have had more time to respond, more time to counterattack, and it might have ended up being a much more prolonged and costly battle for both sides.
00;32;23;14 - 00;32;33;06
Speaker 1
How many P.O.W. was the Germany take during this part of the invasion?
00;32;33;08 - 00;32;59;21
Speaker 2
During the invasion of France in 1940. The Germans captured a staggering number of prisoners of war. By the end of the campaign, it's estimated that they took around 1.8 million Allied soldiers prisoner, which included a large number of French troops, as well as some British and Belgian soldiers. This huge number of was really highlighted how quickly and decisively the German offensive unfolded.
00;32;59;23 - 00;33;05;03
Speaker 1
And how many troops did they invade with?
00;33;05;06 - 00;33;24;08
Speaker 2
That's a great detail to add. When the Germans launched the invasion of France and the Low Countries, they committed a massive force. In total, they deployed roughly around 3 million troops, for the entire Western offensive. Not all of those troops went through the Ardennes, of course, but, that was the overall scale of the invasion force.
00;33;24;09 - 00;33;29;21
Speaker 2
It was a massive, well coordinated operation.
00;33;29;24 - 00;33;33;23
Speaker 1
What? American cities have 3 million people in them.
00;33;33;25 - 00;33;53;16
Speaker 2
It sounds like your question might have gotten cut off there. If you're asking about which American cities were involved in or related to being the events, the U.S. at that time was still neutral. So there weren't specific American cities directly involved. In the 1940 invasion of France. But if you meant something else, feel free to clarify, and I'm happy to help.
00;33;53;19 - 00;33;59;04
Speaker 1
What American cities currently have 3 million people in them.
00;33;59;06 - 00;34;23;12
Speaker 2
Got it. You're asking which American cities currently have around 3 million people. Well, in the United States, the only city that really stands out with a population round or above 3 million on its own is is New York City. Which is the largest city in the country? Other major cities like Los Angeles and Chicago have populations in the millions, but they don't quite hit that 3 million mark, on their own.
00;34;23;13 - 00;34;26;26
Speaker 2
So New York City is the big one that fits that description.
00;34;26;29 - 00;34;30;14
Speaker 1
Do you mean just Manhattan?
00;34;30;17 - 00;34;49;06
Speaker 2
You're absolutely right. And thank you for that clarification. When we talk about New York City as a whole, the population is well over 8 million. But if we're zeroing in on just the borough of Manhattan, the population is actually closer to around 1.6 to 1.7 million. So in that case, Manhattan on its own doesn't reach, 3 million people.
00;34;49;06 - 00;35;00;09
Speaker 2
But the entire city of New York definitely surpasses that. Thanks for pointing that out.
00;35;00;11 - 00;35;09;27
Speaker 1
Okay. Did the Germans have to, how how long did it take for the Germans to push through the Arden?
00;35;09;29 - 00;35;31;02
Speaker 2
The German push through the Ardennes was remarkably swift, and they began their advance on May 10th, 1940. And within about five days, by roughly May 15th or 16th, they had broken through the French defenses near sedan on the river. So it really only took them a handful of days to get through the Ardennes, and achieve that breakthrough that set the stage for the rest of the campaign.
00;35;31;09 - 00;35;33;29
Speaker 2
It was a very rapid movement.
00;35;34;01 - 00;35;36;28
Speaker 1
And how many miles is that.
00;35;37;00 - 00;35;58;21
Speaker 2
In terms of distance? The German advance through the Ardennes covered roughly about 200 to 250 miles from their starting points near the German border, to the areas where they broke through in France. They crossed the Ardennes forest and made it to the river in just those few days, which is a pretty impressive pace for a military force of that size.
00;35;59;10 - 00;36;20;21
Speaker 1
Okay, so if it's 250 miles over five days, that means 50 miles per day. How did they move that quickly? The troops just, shoot and shoot and shoot and then get back on the tanks. And the tanks hold as.
00;36;20;23 - 00;36;41;00
Speaker 2
Yeah, it's pretty fascinating how they manage that speed. Essentially, the Germans relied heavily on a coordinated and mechanized approach. The Panzer tanks and other armored vehicles moved quickly along the roads, and the infantry units were often motorized as well, using trucks to keep up with the tanks. It wasn't so much that they had to stop and shoot constantly.
00;36;41;02 - 00;36;55;16
Speaker 2
It was more about bypassing strong points and just pushing forward to create confusion and disarray among the enemy. They also used close air support from the Luftwaffe.
00;36;55;19 - 00;37;05;21
Speaker 2
Being a fast and relentless pace with their mechanized units, rather than getting bogged down in constant firefights.
00;37;05;24 - 00;37;09;02
Speaker 1
Okay, so did.
00;37;12;10 - 00;37;33;18
Speaker 1
Okay, so let's take the role of a soldier. German soldier, a German Nazi soldier, on this offensive. And I'd like you to walk me through the recollection of day one.
00;37;33;20 - 00;37;52;09
Speaker 2
Absolutely. Let's put ourselves in that. It use for a moment. Imagine you're a young German soldier in May of 1940. It's the first day of the offensive, and you've been briefed that you're going to move through the Ardennes. The atmosphere is tense, but also full of adrenaline. As dawn breaks, you and your unit start rolling forward.
00;37;52;11 - 00;38;14;11
Speaker 2
The forest around you is dense and a bit foggy. In the early morning, you're packed into a truck or maybe marching alongside tanks, and everything's moving quickly. The officers are pushing everyone to keep up the pace. On that first day, there's a sense of urgency. You're probably not encountering a ton of resistance at first, because the whole idea is to move fast, so you get stuck.
00;38;14;13 - 00;38;26;13
Speaker 2
By the evening of that first day, you've covered a surprising amount of ground. Everyone's exhausted, but the momentum is really strong. So that's a bit of how that first day might have felt from the perspective of a soldier on the ground.
00;38;26;15 - 00;38;45;17
Speaker 1
Okay, let's go with day two. Where where are we now? Based on historical accurate records, I like you to keep it as accurate as possible and put me in the in, shoes of that same soldier on day two.
00;38;45;20 - 00;39;11;17
Speaker 2
Of course. Let's paint that picture. So by day two, historically speaking, the German forces have pushed deeper into the Ardennes. Now you're moving through more rugged, forested terrain. The roads might be a bit narrower, and there's still this intense push to to keep advancing. You're probably seeing more signs of the enemy now. Maybe some scattered resistance, but the overall goal is still to move fast and avoid getting bogged down by the end of the second day.
00;39;11;20 - 00;39;30;06
Speaker 2
The German units are probably nearing the Meuse river, or at least getting close to key crossing points. You probably be feeling a mix of exhaustion and adrenaline, knowing that your pride is something that's unfolding really quickly and changing the course of the battle. So that's the historically accurate snapshot of day two for you.
00;39;30;09 - 00;39;36;11
Speaker 1
Can you paint a picture of scattered resistance? What that entails?
00;39;36;13 - 00;39;57;14
Speaker 2
Absolutely. Let's add some detail to that. So when I say scattered resistance, imagine that as you're advancing on the second day, you might come across small groups of French soldiers or maybe some Belgian troops who are trying to delay you. They might set up roadblocks. They might take some pot shots at your unit from the woods or from buildings along the way.
00;39;57;16 - 00;40;20;08
Speaker 2
But these are not large, coordinated defenses, and they're more like little pockets of resistance trying to slow you down. So from your perspective as a soldier, you might hear some gunfire. You might have to take cover briefly, but then your officers are going to push you to keep moving forward, clear that resistance and just continue on. So it's these quick, small skirmishes rather than any major battle at that point.
00;40;20;10 - 00;40;23;24
Speaker 1
Okay, let's do day three.
00;40;23;26 - 00;40;45;13
Speaker 2
Absolutely. Let's move on to day three. So by day three, you and your unit are now nearing the Meuse River. The pace is still relentless. But you might start to feel the weight of fatigue setting in. You've covered a lot of ground. Maybe around 100 miles or so over these three days, and you're approaching these key crossing points that will allow the tanks and troops to move into the heart of France.
00;40;45;16 - 00;41;02;25
Speaker 2
On this day, you might encounter some more organized resistance as the allies are starting to understand the scale of the the German advance and are trying to mount a defense. But overall, you're still pushing forward. And there's a sense that a major breakthrough is coming soon. So that's how day three might feel in the in the soldiers.
00;41;02;25 - 00;41;07;17
Speaker 1
But okay, let's go to day four.
00;41;07;19 - 00;41;26;02
Speaker 2
Absolutely. Let's step into day four. By now the German forces are crossing the Meuse and really preparing to fan out into the urban French countryside beyond. So as a soldier on day four, you might feel a real sense of momentum. You broke in through one of the big natural barriers, and now the landscape is opening up.
00;41;26;04 - 00;41;45;00
Speaker 2
You're likely seeing less forest and more villages or open fields. By this point, you might be facing a bit more organized resistance from the French army, as they try to regroup. But the sheer speed and hack of the Blitzkrieg is still working in your favor. There's a sense that you're not deep into enemy territory and that the French defenses are starting to crumble.
00;41;45;02 - 00;41;52;27
Speaker 2
So day four is really a day of of breaking out beyond the Ardennes and pushing further into Van.
00;41;53;00 - 00;41;56;15
Speaker 1
Okay, what about day five?
00;41;56;18 - 00;42;20;21
Speaker 2
Sure thing. So by day five, you're really in the thick of what feels like a sweeping advance. Historically, by this time, the German forces were well on their way to creating that breakthrough that would lead to the encirclement of Allied troops. As a soldier, you're now seeing the results of your rapid advance. You're moving through towns and villages in northern France, and the resistance is starting to crumble in many places.
00;42;20;23 - 00;42;41;27
Speaker 2
By this point, there's probably a sense of confidence among the troops. You've made it through the toughest part of the terrain, and now you're pushing into a more open country. There's probably still some fighting, but the feeling is that you're part of this unstoppable wave. Day five is when the reality of the breakthrough is is really sinking in.
00;42;42;00 - 00;42;49;25
Speaker 1
Okay, so if this is day five, when do we get to Paris?
00;42;49;27 - 00;43;10;19
Speaker 2
Right. So if we're looking at day five in the timeline, that puts us around mid-May 1940. Historically, it was around May 14th and 15th that the German forces were really crossing the muse, and force and beginning to break out from that point. It only took them a few more days to encircle the Allied armies at Dunkirk, which happened toward the end of May.
00;43;10;21 - 00;43;25;09
Speaker 2
So in just a matter of about 5 or 6 days from the start of the offensive, the Germans had already created the conditions for a massive Allied retreat. So everything moved really quickly in those first few days. And day five was right around the turning point.
00;43;25;11 - 00;43;29;19
Speaker 1
And then they just roll right into Paris.
00;43;29;21 - 00;43;52;21
Speaker 2
Exactly. That's pretty much how it unfolded. After those initial breakthrough days, the German forces just kept rolling forward. The allies were in disarray and within a couple more weeks, and the Germans were indeed able to advance toward Paris. By mid-June 1940, Paris had fallen and France was essentially forced to sign an armistice shortly after. So it was a rapid and stunning campaign.
00;43;52;24 - 00;43;59;17
Speaker 2
And that initial push through the Ardennes really set the stage for the fall of France.
00;43;59;20 - 00;44;10;19
Speaker 1
What about all this? Have I done? Haven't I asked that you would like to share?
00;44;10;22 - 00;44;35;16
Speaker 2
Well, I think you've covered a lot of the key points, but one interesting angle to highlight is just how the the Ardennes offensive became kind of a textbook example of the blitzkrieg tactic. The speed and surprise of going through what was considered an impassable route really changed military thinking for a long time. So it's just an extra piece of context, but you've definitely asked all the right questions to get the full picture.
00;44;35;19 - 00;44;52;00
Speaker 1
Now, I'd like you to share something that is more, unique or novel that we haven't really discussed about this, five day offensive in the last ten.
00;44;52;02 - 00;45;19;02
Speaker 2
I see what you mean. Sure. Let me add a little unique tidbit. One interesting detail that's not always highlighted is how much the element of psychological warfare played into those first few days. The speed of the German advance didn't just physically overwhelm the French forces. It also had a huge psychological impact. A lot of French soldiers and officers just couldn't believe that the Germans had moved so fast through what they thought was an impenetrable forest.
00;45;19;04 - 00;45;33;18
Speaker 2
That sense of shock and disbelief contributed to the rapid collapse of the defenses. So it's not just about tanks and troops, but also about the shock value and the and the psychological impact, which is kind of a unique angle on those first few days.
00;45;33;21 - 00;45;42;12
Speaker 1
Okay. I'd like that take, I'd like you to share one more unique tidbit.
00;45;42;15 - 00;46;08;17
Speaker 2
Absolutely. I'd be happy to. Here's another little unique tidbit. Something that often gets overlooked is the role of the French reconnaissance records. In the first couple of days of the German push, there were actually some French reconnaissance pilots who spotted the German columns moving through the Ardennes and reported it back. But because the French high command was so convinced that the Ardennes was impassable, they just didn't believe those reports or they dismissed them as mistakes.
00;46;08;19 - 00;46;20;21
Speaker 2
So it adds another layer of of uniqueness. The information was there, but it was just not acted on because it seems so unlikely.
00;46;20;24 - 00;46;25;29
Speaker 1
Dang. Who did that?
00;46;26;00 - 00;46;44;09
Speaker 2
Yeah, it real quickly. Absolutely. It's fascinating to see how even small, overlooked details can shape the course of history. Those little moments of disbelief or missed intelligence can have such a huge ripple effect. So it's definitely a cool angle to remember, in the bigger picture of the Ardennes and and the whole campaign.
00;46;44;12 - 00;46;48;29
Speaker 1
Who was it that told the French recon pilots to buzz off?
00;46;51;15 - 00;47;16;14
Speaker 2
So from what history tells us, it was really, the French high command and the the upper level leadership who essentially dismisses reconnaissance reports. The pilots did their job. They they flew over, they saw what was going on, and they reported back. But the generals and the strategists at the top were just so convinced that the Ardennes wasn't a viable route that they essentially told them this can't be right, and ignored the warnings.
00;47;16;17 - 00;47;26;06
Speaker 2
So it was really a top level command decision that led to that crucial piece of intelligence being set aside.
00;47;26;09 - 00;48;05;04
Speaker 1
Is there any. Right. So we know we know how kind of sinister and horrible the Nazis were. Is there any kind of advice that you can give future? I guess future people that are trying to repel this kind of, evil, I guess. Through new, new strategies that haven't ever been seen before. Can you give me advice to combating something like that?
00;48;05;06 - 00;48;24;29
Speaker 2
It's a really thoughtful question. And in a broad sense, I think one piece of advice is to always stay adaptable and to question assumptions. One of the big lessons from that whole scenario is that the French high command had assumptions about what was possible and what wasn't, and when new information came in that contradicted those assumptions, it was ignored.
00;48;24;29 - 00;48;39;21
Speaker 2
So for anyone facing new or unexpected threats, I think the best advice is to stay flexible, be willing to reassess what you think you know, and be open to innovative strategies. It's that adaptability that can make all the difference.
00;48;39;24 - 00;48;43;25
Speaker 1
Yeah, that's pretty good advice.
00;48;43;28 - 00;48;55;02
Speaker 2
I'm glad you think so. It's definitely one of those lessons that history keeps teaching us. Saying adaptable and questioning assumptions can really help in unpredictable situations. So I'm happy. Resonated.
00;48;55;05 - 00;49;07;08
Speaker 1
Okay. Thanks. Chat. This was a really interesting and informative and enjoyable conversation, and I appreciate it.
00;49;07;10 - 00;49;16;25
Speaker 2
You're so welcome. I'm really glad you enjoyed it and found it interesting. It was definitely a fun topic to dive into together. Anytime you want to chat more, just let me know.
00;49;16;28 - 00;49;18;06
Speaker 1
Peace.