alternatehistory.com

Its June 1940 President Reynaud of France decides dealing with Hitler is like trying to deal with Genghis Khan or Attila the Hun and that these ain't the Germans of 1870 (he had these kind of thoughts OTL).

So in this time line he orders General Weygand to defend Paris vigorously in 1940 by police, volunteers and whatever army units the French can manage to retreat into the city. President Reynaud does not resign but remains in the city with the defenders. He tells Weygand that if he won't defend Paris, he will find someone who will.

The French decide to do this to try and absorb as much German strength into the city as possible so they can maybe stabilize the rest of the front. They also hope perhaps forlornly that an epic battle for Paris will influence the United States to become more heavily involved, or guilt the British into committing more air force into France. It is also hoped an epic defence of Paris will help restore French morale and make any thoughts surrender impossible.

Its a big place, based on Warsaw 39, 44, Berlin 1945 etc., even a hasty defence with even limited numbers of regular forces can be effective.

How long can the French in Paris last????
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