World War II: The Resistance

by C. David North

France fell to Hitler's forces in less than two months. It was not until 1942 that widely dispersed underground organizations would band together to form a united opposition to the occupying Germans. It was not until then that resistance would become the Resistance - a disciplined multi-national movement that would play a significant part in the outcome of World War II. In each occupied nation, resistance groups would grow, gathering and sending information to London, planning increasingly complex sabotage operations, and assisting thousands of people, particularly Jews, in fleeing Nazi-occupied territories. Their actions would eventually become a focused counteroffensive against the German army in 1944, when Allied troops gathered in Great Britain to prepare for the invasion of France. As their widespread activity weakened German outposts in France and other occupied countries, the Allies would gain the foothold they needed to win the war. This is their story.

Genres: History, War, Nonfiction

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2015

Reviews

[Sally Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating Book

I found it hard to put this book down. Anyone interested in history or in World War I I will enjoy the details and stories of the Resistance. The book reads like a novel. This is an historic telling of unbelievable courage and valor.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A relatively short book that looked at WWII from the point of view of the resistance movements in Western Europe. While I believe this book could have been improved by a good editor, it was still interesting. We are again reminded of how ruthless the Nazis were and the courage it took to oppose them.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

European Resistance 1939-1945

An interesting and well-written account of the resistance actions throughout Europe. The chronological order of the book lets you watch as the different countries set up there organizations and begin fighting the occupiers. I learned some valuable information on the resistance organizations in France and other countries.

[Richard Caniglia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Straight History

Objective and without emotion. Gave insight into how a nation can seem to morally capitulate but then recover, the how, and the timeline. Not the hero worship I thought it would be. Good writing style. Augments facts with anecdotes of notable events.

[A Steven Bouchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astounding and full of education

I had always wondered exactly what a "Resistance" organization does. I have read a multitude of books that only mentioned a few things. This book is detailed, tells what and how the French Resistance succeeded and never is boring. A true education!

I believe this book should be mandatory reading at junior high schools in America! While our schools are "drenched" in liberalism and socialism, it is books like this one that tells a true and important story.

[Ronald Golik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good

Didn't know how involved the Resistance was in the war. They did a magnificent job, at a great loss of life. Kudos to the French fighters. Great history book.