Heinz Guderian goes for Paris (rather than the Atlantic coast) in 1940

CaliGuy

Banned
What if, rather than going for the Atlantic coast, German general Heinz Guderian would have immediately went for Paris after crossing the Ardennes and winning at Sedan (in May 1940)?
 
That's what the French thought he would do, and they made some preparations accordingly. When I played Blitzkrieg from Warsaw to Paris I got pretty close to Paris (after a long lasting battle around Sedan) so I guess it's possible but I suppose the French and British would be able to counter-attack more easily and in greater force, as all that kept Guderian from being outflanked and surrounded was the poor French command & control, and confusion in the Allied ranks as he did what wasn't expected. There would not be a hammer and anvil for the Germans, so more French and British divisions would likely survive if he didn't get to Paris quickly and cause the French government to collapse.
 
Guderian claimed in his memoir 'Panzer Leader' this question was still open on 14 May. As he was consolidating the bridge head & preparing for breakout he sought confirmation from Kliest on the direction the Pz Group was to take. Kliest told Guderian it was to be the Channel. Was not clear if the decision came from Kliest or further up.
 

CaliGuy

Banned
Guderian claimed in his memoir 'Panzer Leader' this question was still open on 14 May. As he was consolidating the bridge head & preparing for breakout he sought confirmation from Kliest on the direction the Pz Group was to take. Kliest told Guderian it was to be the Channel. Was not clear if the decision came from Kliest or further up.
Thanks for sharing this information, Carl! :)

Also, out of curiosity--how do you think that a German attack on Paris in May 1940 would have looked like?
 
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