Three German Invasions of France: The Summer Campaigns of 1870, 1914 and 1940

by Douglas Fermer

Tension and rivalry between France and Germany shaped the history of Western Europe in the century from 1860. Three times that hostility led to war and the invasion of France - in 1870, 1914 and 1940. The outcomes of the battles that followed reset the balance of power across the continent. Yet the German invasions tend to be viewed as separate events, in isolation, rather than as connected episodes in the confrontation between the two nations.

Douglas Fermer’s fresh account of the military campaigns and the preparations for them treats them as part of a cycle of fear, suspicion, animosity and conflicting ambitions extending across several generations. In a clear, concise account of the decisive opening phase of each campaign, he describes the critical decision-making, the maneuvers and clashes of arms in eastern France as German forces advanced westwards.

As the 100th anniversary of the start of the Great War approaches, this is a fitting moment to reconsider these momentous events and how they fit into the broad sweep of European history.

Genres: Nonfiction, Military History, History

288 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2014

Reviews

[Kevin Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed at first because the book is 60% about the French side of the conflicts. But then when I was finished I felt it was right. There is so much to cover in each conflict that the selection was right. I felt the book did not sugar coat either side. As we all know there are no real winners in a revenge war. It just sets up another. I felt this book showed that as a classic example. Very good read if you want to learn more about the why of the main wars of the 20th century. I feel the Author explained it quite well. Great read!

[Ravi Rai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction and overview of the three invasions in question. There is not much to attract the specialist, but a lucid and concise guide. The only weakness is that it is one-sided, told from the French point of view.