Remilitarization of the Rhineland - French Retaliation

"On the 12th of February Hitler informed his War Minister, Field Marshal Werner von Blomberg, of his intentions and asked the head of the Army, General Werner von Fritsch, how long it would take to transport a few infantry battalions and an artillery battery into the Rhineland. Fritsch answered that it would take three days organization but he was in favour of negotiation as he believed that the German Army was in no state for armed combat with the French Army.[12] The Chief of the General Staff, General Ludwig Beck warned Hitler that the German Army would be unable to successfully defend Germany against a possible retaliatory French attack.[13] Hitler reassured Fritsch that he would ensure that the German forces would leave at once if the French intervened militarily to halt their advance. The operation was codenamed Winter Exercise."


How would have the 1940's looked had the French stood up and protected the Versailles treaty?
 
Sir Mark;4177853How would have the 1940's looked had the French stood up and protected the Versailles treaty?[/QUOTE said:
We've just done this one - see thread March 7, 1936: French forces re-enter the Rhineland

Opinions differ, but most likely not a lot is changed. The Germans fall back. Hitler suffers some loss of prestige, but there's no obvious alternative government so probably he stays in power. After a bit, the French get tired of occupying the Rhineland, the government that ordered it falls, and the troops are pulled back. Hitler starts up again, but more cautiously, perhaps creating some kind of paramilitary police force for all Germany, including the Rhineland - then in a year or two declares this to be part of the armed forces.
 
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