France capitalizes on Nazi fumble

Expat

Hi everybody, long-time reader/first-time poster.

World War II is not my area of expertise, and I was wondering about the likelihood of an anti-Nazi revolt in Germany during the early days of the general war. In response to this potential rebellion, what is the likelihood of France then rolling through the German heartland and enforcing some level of military (or at least economic) domination on them?
What would be the character of the more likely types of German rebellion?
Can France use such a victory to catapult itself into world power status? I am assuming its larger commitment on the ground trumps the British, but if anyone feels differently about this, please speak up.
How do the other powers (specifically Italy and the USSR) react?
How long does US isolationism last in this world?
And assuming France does rise to the forefront under its 1939 wartime government, what does the character of their dominance take?

Gracias!
 

Otis Tarda

Revolt? None. *Slight* chance of coup d'etat, but rather disorganized and chaotic (eg. somebody shooting Hitler, without any ideas what next).
Even then, there probably would have been truce, not general retreat from French teritory.
 

Calgacus

No chance of a general revolt. There is always a chance of military takeover, especially if things go poorly in the war. There was an attempted assassination of Hitler in September 1939, that might have thrown the door open to a regime change. I doubt the Generals would have made peace while the war was going so well, but they might have tried for a reasonable peace once Poland fell.
 

birdy

Expat said:
Hi everybody, long-time reader/first-time poster.

Can France use such a victory to catapult itself into world power status? I am assuming its larger commitment on the ground trumps the British, but if anyone feels differently about this, please speak up.
And assuming France does rise to the forefront under its 1939 wartime government, what does the character of their dominance take?

Gracias!
Click to expand...

Welcome to AH.COM.

I think France in 1939 was thought of as a world power, albiet not the world power.

In such a scenario France would probably have dominance only in mainland Europe. Possibly more confidence though with other powers prehaps.

Hope this helps.
 
Grey Wolf

Grey Wolf

Well, there was a plot wasn't there, at least the remains of one, and if things went badly in the West it might have been revived to bring about an army take-over. How well that would work depends on their competence, but it has to be noted that the Italians managed it in 1943 (their pitch only queered by the Germans). The thing is that if there was a coup launched, then it would be 1) with the intention of making peace, and 2) probably include some backroom dealings with the Allies anyway, so that it seems unlikely that France would spurn an Armistice request or ceasefire request from the new German leadership

Best Regards
Grey Wolf
 

Johnrankins

Realistically you are talking about an assassination of Hitler which means Goering will probably take over. There was no real chance of a revolt or even a coup at this time.
 
juanml82

juanml82

And if they just invade Germany before Poland falls? Most of the German army is still in the east. Could France hold for long?
 
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