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The Liberation of Paris: How Eisenhower, de Gaulle, and von Choltitz Saved the City of Light
Prize-winning and bestselling historian Jean Edward Smith tells the “rousing” (Jay Winik, author of 1944 ) story of the liberation of Paris during World War II—a triumph achieved only through the remarkable efforts of Americans, French, and Germans, racing to save the city from destruction.
Following their breakout from Normandy in late June 1944, the Allies swept across northern France in pursuit of the German army. The Allies intended to bypass Paris and cross the Rhine into Germany, ending the war before winter set in. But as they advanced, local forces in Paris began their own liberation, defying the occupying German troops.
Charles de Gaulle, the leading figure of the Free French government, urged General Dwight Eisenhower to divert forces to liberate Paris. Eisenhower’s advisers recommended otherwise, but Ike wanted to help position de Gaulle to lead France after the war. And both men were concerned about partisan conflict in Paris that could leave the communists in control of the city and the national government. Neither man knew that the German commandant, Dietrich von Choltitz, convinced that the war was lost, schemed to surrender the city to the Allies intact, defying Hitler’s orders to leave it a burning ruin.
In The Liberation of Paris , Jean Edward Smith puts “one of the most moving moments in the history of the Second World War” (Michael Korda) in context, showing how the decision to free the city came at a heavy it slowed the Allied momentum and allowed the Germans to regroup. After the war German generals argued that Eisenhower’s decision to enter Paris prolonged the war for another six months. Was Paris worth this price? Smith answers this question in a “brisk new recounting” that is “terse, authoritative, [and] unsentimental” ( The Washington Post ).
Following their breakout from Normandy in late June 1944, the Allies swept across northern France in pursuit of the German army. The Allies intended to bypass Paris and cross the Rhine into Germany, ending the war before winter set in. But as they advanced, local forces in Paris began their own liberation, defying the occupying German troops.
Charles de Gaulle, the leading figure of the Free French government, urged General Dwight Eisenhower to divert forces to liberate Paris. Eisenhower’s advisers recommended otherwise, but Ike wanted to help position de Gaulle to lead France after the war. And both men were concerned about partisan conflict in Paris that could leave the communists in control of the city and the national government. Neither man knew that the German commandant, Dietrich von Choltitz, convinced that the war was lost, schemed to surrender the city to the Allies intact, defying Hitler’s orders to leave it a burning ruin.
In The Liberation of Paris , Jean Edward Smith puts “one of the most moving moments in the history of the Second World War” (Michael Korda) in context, showing how the decision to free the city came at a heavy it slowed the Allied momentum and allowed the Germans to regroup. After the war German generals argued that Eisenhower’s decision to enter Paris prolonged the war for another six months. Was Paris worth this price? Smith answers this question in a “brisk new recounting” that is “terse, authoritative, [and] unsentimental” ( The Washington Post ).
256 pages, Hardcover
First published July 23, 2019
170 people are currently reading
1158 people want to read
About the author
Jean Edward Smith
21 books368 followersJean Edward Smith was the John Marshall Professor of Political Science at Marshall University and professor emeritus at the University of Toronto after having served as professor of political economy there for thirty-five years. Smith also served as professor of history and government at Ashland University.
A graduate of McKinley High School in Washington, D.C., Smith received an A.B. from Princeton University in 1954. While attending Princeton, Smith was mentored under law professor and political scientist William M. Beaney. Professor Beaney's American Constitutional Law: Introductory Essays & Selected Cases, became a standard text and was widely used in university constitutional law classes for several years. Serving in the military from 1954-1961, he rose from the rank of Second Lieutenant to Captain (RA) US Army (Artillery). Smith served in West Berlin and Dachau, Germany. In 1964, he obtained a Ph.D. from the Department of Public Law and Government of Columbia University. Smith began his teaching career as assistant professor of government at Dartmouth College, a post he held from 1963 until 1965. He then became a professor of political economy at the University of Toronto in 1965 until his retirement in 1999. Professor Smith also served as visiting professor at several universities during his tenure at the University of Toronto and after his retirement including the Freie Universität in Berlin, Georgetown University[2], the University of Virginia’s Woodrow Wilson Department of Government and Foreign Affairs, and the University of California at San Diego.
A graduate of McKinley High School in Washington, D.C., Smith received an A.B. from Princeton University in 1954. While attending Princeton, Smith was mentored under law professor and political scientist William M. Beaney. Professor Beaney's American Constitutional Law: Introductory Essays & Selected Cases, became a standard text and was widely used in university constitutional law classes for several years. Serving in the military from 1954-1961, he rose from the rank of Second Lieutenant to Captain (RA) US Army (Artillery). Smith served in West Berlin and Dachau, Germany. In 1964, he obtained a Ph.D. from the Department of Public Law and Government of Columbia University. Smith began his teaching career as assistant professor of government at Dartmouth College, a post he held from 1963 until 1965. He then became a professor of political economy at the University of Toronto in 1965 until his retirement in 1999. Professor Smith also served as visiting professor at several universities during his tenure at the University of Toronto and after his retirement including the Freie Universität in Berlin, Georgetown University[2], the University of Virginia’s Woodrow Wilson Department of Government and Foreign Affairs, and the University of California at San Diego.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
August 25, 2019
I was surprised that this book was so short (204 pages) and wondered how the author could capture one of the great moments of WWII in such truncated form. Somehow he did but it is somewhat lacking in some of the more detailed issues that arose as the Allies determined the strategy for rescuing Paris with the least destruction to one of the most historic cities in Europe. This lack of the more minute activities does not, however, affect the overall enjoyment of the book.
Paris had been declared an "open city" but Hitler, in these last days of the war, wanted Paris burned to the ground. He ordered the Nazi commandant of the city, von Cholitz to destroy it and all French who remained there. But von Cholitz had other ideas even though he would face execution if he ignored Hitler's orders.
The book examines the strategy negotiations among the Allies, especially de Gaulle, the leader of the Free French, who wanted the Free French forces to enter the city initially. Roosevelt detested de Gaulle but Churchill and Eisenhower were sympathetic to the leader of the Free French and the plans were put in place.
The real hero, if I can use that word, is von Cholitz, a Nazi who had become anti-Hitler and deceived the Fuehrer into believing that Paris was being destroyed even as he was trying to save her. Lucky for him, he became a prisoner of the Allies and escaped execution by the SS.
For a quick and satisfying look at the liberation of Paris, this is the book to read. Recommended.
Paris had been declared an "open city" but Hitler, in these last days of the war, wanted Paris burned to the ground. He ordered the Nazi commandant of the city, von Cholitz to destroy it and all French who remained there. But von Cholitz had other ideas even though he would face execution if he ignored Hitler's orders.
The book examines the strategy negotiations among the Allies, especially de Gaulle, the leader of the Free French, who wanted the Free French forces to enter the city initially. Roosevelt detested de Gaulle but Churchill and Eisenhower were sympathetic to the leader of the Free French and the plans were put in place.
The real hero, if I can use that word, is von Cholitz, a Nazi who had become anti-Hitler and deceived the Fuehrer into believing that Paris was being destroyed even as he was trying to save her. Lucky for him, he became a prisoner of the Allies and escaped execution by the SS.
For a quick and satisfying look at the liberation of Paris, this is the book to read. Recommended.
January 17, 2024
The liberation of Paris during World War II was marked by both historical significance and symbolic importance. But what this book is really about is how three men, Eisenhower, DeGaulle and Von Choltitz saved Paris from ultimate destruction.
Paris, a ravished city where food was rationed, was ready to be liberated. But the specter of another Parish commune of 1871 was hanging above the liberation. Therefore, DeGaulle's provisional government tried to persuade the Allies, specifically Eisenhower, to liberate the city as soon as possible. But Eisenhower needed to convince Roosevelt who didn't want the liberation of a multi-million city prevent him from shortening the war. It was Eisenhower who, on the request of DeGaulle, essentially outmaneuvered London and Washington and allowed DeGaulle and the Free French forces to liberate the city.
But all this would be futile if Von Choltiz hadn't prevented the destruction ordered by Hitler and his cronies. For this he resorted to outright lying: his refusal to blow up bridges, because the German would have to battle their way to them. Any such measure could drive the majority of the still passive population to armed resistance - a big lie as Paris was already in the middle of an armed uprising and the population far from passive. His strategic deception to defy Hitler's orders ultimately saved Paris.
Cholditz as the ultimate hero - when he died in 1966 the French provided the guard of honour for his funeral and rightly so.
The focus on the military and political maneuvers by Eisenhower, DeGaulle, and Von Choltitz adds a nuanced perspective to the narrative and provides a good overview of the complexities in the decision-making process. A recommendation for anyone with an interest in World War II.
Paris, a ravished city where food was rationed, was ready to be liberated. But the specter of another Parish commune of 1871 was hanging above the liberation. Therefore, DeGaulle's provisional government tried to persuade the Allies, specifically Eisenhower, to liberate the city as soon as possible. But Eisenhower needed to convince Roosevelt who didn't want the liberation of a multi-million city prevent him from shortening the war. It was Eisenhower who, on the request of DeGaulle, essentially outmaneuvered London and Washington and allowed DeGaulle and the Free French forces to liberate the city.
But all this would be futile if Von Choltiz hadn't prevented the destruction ordered by Hitler and his cronies. For this he resorted to outright lying: his refusal to blow up bridges, because the German would have to battle their way to them. Any such measure could drive the majority of the still passive population to armed resistance - a big lie as Paris was already in the middle of an armed uprising and the population far from passive. His strategic deception to defy Hitler's orders ultimately saved Paris.
Cholditz as the ultimate hero - when he died in 1966 the French provided the guard of honour for his funeral and rightly so.
The focus on the military and political maneuvers by Eisenhower, DeGaulle, and Von Choltitz adds a nuanced perspective to the narrative and provides a good overview of the complexities in the decision-making process. A recommendation for anyone with an interest in World War II.
November 15, 2021
With The Liberation of Paris: How Eisenhower, de Gaulle, and von Choltitz Saved the City of Light by Prize-winning and bestselling historian Jean Edward Smith tells the “rousing” story of the liberation of Paris during World War II—a triumph achieved only through the remarkable efforts of Americans, French, and Germans, racing to save the city from destruction.
Following their breakout from Normandy in late June 1944, the Allies swept across northern France in pursuit of the German army. The Allies initially intended to bypass Paris and cross the Rhine into Germany, ending the war before winter set in. But as they advanced, local forces in Paris began their own liberation, defying the occupying German troops.
Charles de Gaulle, the leading figure of the Free French government, urged General Dwight Eisenhower to divert forces to liberate Paris. Eisenhower’s advisers recommended otherwise, but Ike wanted to help position de Gaulle to lead France after the war. And both men were concerned about partisan conflict in Paris that could leave the communists in control of the city and the national government. Neither man knew that the German commandant of Paris, Dietrich von Choltitz, convinced that the war was lost, schemed to surrender the city to the Allies intact, defying Hitler’s orders to leave it a burning ruin.
In The Liberation of Paris, Jean Edward Smith puts “one of the most moving moments in the history of the Second World War” (Michael Korda) in context, showing how the decision to free the city came at a heavy price: it slowed the Allied momentum and allowed the Germans to regroup. After the war German generals argued that Eisenhower’s decision to enter Paris prolonged the war for another six months. Was Paris worth this price? Smith answers this question in a “brisk new recounting” that is “terse, authoritative, [and] unsentimental” (The Washington Post). These decisions also impacted the postwar political alignments. Having read several other accounts of the liberation of Paris, I found this version to be clearly written and easy-to-understand language.
Following their breakout from Normandy in late June 1944, the Allies swept across northern France in pursuit of the German army. The Allies initially intended to bypass Paris and cross the Rhine into Germany, ending the war before winter set in. But as they advanced, local forces in Paris began their own liberation, defying the occupying German troops.
Charles de Gaulle, the leading figure of the Free French government, urged General Dwight Eisenhower to divert forces to liberate Paris. Eisenhower’s advisers recommended otherwise, but Ike wanted to help position de Gaulle to lead France after the war. And both men were concerned about partisan conflict in Paris that could leave the communists in control of the city and the national government. Neither man knew that the German commandant of Paris, Dietrich von Choltitz, convinced that the war was lost, schemed to surrender the city to the Allies intact, defying Hitler’s orders to leave it a burning ruin.
In The Liberation of Paris, Jean Edward Smith puts “one of the most moving moments in the history of the Second World War” (Michael Korda) in context, showing how the decision to free the city came at a heavy price: it slowed the Allied momentum and allowed the Germans to regroup. After the war German generals argued that Eisenhower’s decision to enter Paris prolonged the war for another six months. Was Paris worth this price? Smith answers this question in a “brisk new recounting” that is “terse, authoritative, [and] unsentimental” (The Washington Post). These decisions also impacted the postwar political alignments. Having read several other accounts of the liberation of Paris, I found this version to be clearly written and easy-to-understand language.
September 29, 2019
The Liberation of Paris: How Eisenhower, De Gaulle, and Von Choltitz Saved the City of Light was a well-researched and riveting examination of the liberation of Paris in the closing months of World War II as the allies swept across France causing the retreat of the German forces. Jean Edward Smith has focused on the pivotal roles that three courageous men played in the preservation and liberation of Paris. Charles de Gaulle led provisional government and the French Resistance against Nazi Germany during the war. De Gaulle was concerned that France would fall under Communist rule and implored General Eisenhower to liberate Paris. While many of Eisenhower's superiors were against going into Paris fearing that it would prolong the war, General Eisenhower, the allied commander who led Operation Overlord, ultimately made the decision to liberate Paris. Likewise, the efforts of the German commandant, Dietrich von Choltitz, were equally important in the preservation of the art and monuments that the Nazis had ruled would be destroyed. How all of this is accomplished results in a remarkable book and an important piece of history.
"Eisenhower on his own authority had changed plans and was going to liberate Paris. It was clear to him what had to be done. It was also clear that he had to cast this as a military issue, not a political or humanitarian one, and that he must maintain a low profile and leave it up to the French. Eisenhower's decision to liberate Paris was one of the great decisions of World War II. And it was not without cost. By diverting supplies and fuel to the French capital, he undoubtedly prolonged the war. But he avoided another Paris Commune in return."
"Eisenhower on his own authority had changed plans and was going to liberate Paris. It was clear to him what had to be done. It was also clear that he had to cast this as a military issue, not a political or humanitarian one, and that he must maintain a low profile and leave it up to the French. Eisenhower's decision to liberate Paris was one of the great decisions of World War II. And it was not without cost. By diverting supplies and fuel to the French capital, he undoubtedly prolonged the war. But he avoided another Paris Commune in return."
August 4, 2022
The Liberation of Paris: How Eisenhower, de Gaulle, and Von Choltitz Saved the City of Light for all of its 241 pages, does a brilliant job of conveying to the reader the events during the key Battle of Normandy that led up to the liberation of Paris on August 25, 1944. As the son of a World War II U.S. Army veteran who saw action in Normandy during that time and subsequently obtained his honorable discharge in Paris in July 1946, the events of the summer of 1944 in France have a deeply personal resonance.
The gist of the book is aptly summed up by the author in the following paragraph ---
“When all is said and done, the liberation of a largely undamaged Paris was primarily the work of three men: [General Dietrich von Choltitz, the German commandant of Paris, who commanded German forces in the city], de Gaulle, and Eisenhower. Von Choltitz rejected direct orders from Hitler to destroy the city, and he did so knowing his wife and children might be made to pay for his disobedience. De Gaulle did so as the president of liberated France. He was absolute in his quest for authority, and Paris was essential to his effort. For Eisenhower, who made the ultimate decision to liberate the city, it marked the end of his command apprenticeship and the beginning of his power as a world statesman. On his own authority, without seeking the approval of the Combined Chiefs of Staff, the British government, or Washington, he saved Paris for the French and avoided its destruction. He outmaneuvered FDR [who didn’t like De Gaulle] and the State Department so skillfully he left no fingerprints.”
I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in World War II or with a deep love for Paris (as I have, having visited the city twice in 2000 and 2010).
The gist of the book is aptly summed up by the author in the following paragraph ---
“When all is said and done, the liberation of a largely undamaged Paris was primarily the work of three men: [General Dietrich von Choltitz, the German commandant of Paris, who commanded German forces in the city], de Gaulle, and Eisenhower. Von Choltitz rejected direct orders from Hitler to destroy the city, and he did so knowing his wife and children might be made to pay for his disobedience. De Gaulle did so as the president of liberated France. He was absolute in his quest for authority, and Paris was essential to his effort. For Eisenhower, who made the ultimate decision to liberate the city, it marked the end of his command apprenticeship and the beginning of his power as a world statesman. On his own authority, without seeking the approval of the Combined Chiefs of Staff, the British government, or Washington, he saved Paris for the French and avoided its destruction. He outmaneuvered FDR [who didn’t like De Gaulle] and the State Department so skillfully he left no fingerprints.”
I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in World War II or with a deep love for Paris (as I have, having visited the city twice in 2000 and 2010).
November 29, 2023
This was absolutely fascinating. I definitely see myself reading more French history particularly about Charles DeGaulle. Perhaps the hero of the conflict was German officer Von Choltitz who defied Hitler and risked his life to preserve and liberate Paris despite being commanded to destroy the city. He was rightfully revered by the French following the liberation. Eisenhower, DeGaulle and Von Choltitz all worked together successfully to protect Paris. Charles DeGaulle stands out as a master tactician and diplomat managing various leaders, military groups and French factions. It took me a bit of time to get through this book due to a lot of military information but I’m so glad I stuck with it.
October 28, 2020
This is a tremendous book. It is small, only 205 pages, but it is packed with a great deal of information about the events leading up to the German surrender of Paris. The volume covers essentially the same story as does the old movie "Is Paris Burning?" I learned much about the widespread acceptance of German occupation by the people of Paris and the nature of the collaborationist Vichy regime. Von Cholitz, the German commander, comes across as a noble character, and Swedish envoy Raul Nordling is a real hero. But I gained much more respect for Charles de Gaulle and what he means to French history. Dwight D. Eisenhower is revealed as the military -- and political -- genius I always knew he was.
September 3, 2019
At age 86, Smith is proof that you don't need youth or even middle age to write a cracking good book. He does a masterful job of sorting out the personalities, conversations, actions, and communiques that resulted in Paris being saved from destruction by the Germans. It's a very satisfying read -- and one with a happy ending!
January 19, 2022
A lovely bite-sized book on the liberation of Paris. Smith provides ample background on the key players and their decisionmaking. I found his focus on the competing strategic-political goals of the U.S., French, Vichy, and German actors particularly interesting.
January 27, 2020
for my more serious book club which meets tomorrow.
I only got thru about 2/5th of the book, but so impressed with the writing, especially after reading that J E Smith was in his 80s --and unfortunately, passed away last fall.
Looking forward to the discussion and believe our leader read another book from the same period to compare, so that'll be interesting.
HOpe to finish it after the meeting and will add more then --or plan to anyway.
couldn't get all the CDs onto ipod, but want to read book anyway.
I only got thru about 2/5th of the book, but so impressed with the writing, especially after reading that J E Smith was in his 80s --and unfortunately, passed away last fall.
Looking forward to the discussion and believe our leader read another book from the same period to compare, so that'll be interesting.
HOpe to finish it after the meeting and will add more then --or plan to anyway.
couldn't get all the CDs onto ipod, but want to read book anyway.
December 9, 2020
Jean Edward Smith's The Liberation of Paris is a quick but informative read. Not being widely read on WW II, much of the book's content was new to me. Some aspects of this story are discouraging - for example, how wishy-washy many French citizens were in their support of Germany. However, Eisenhower, de Gaulle, and von Choltitz all provide inspiring examples and were the kinds of leaders we need more of today. Outstanding book.
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August 23, 2019For more reviews and bookish posts please visit: http://www.ManOfLaBook.com
The Liberation of Paris: How Eisenhower, de Gaulle, and von Choltitz Saved the City of Light by Jean Edward Smith takes place during World War II and tells the title story in context of the war and politics. Mr. Smith is a prize winning historian.
Adolf Hitler, as one of the many villainous things he did over his life, was to order the commander of occupied Paris, Dietrich von Choltitz, to destroy the city at all costs. Von Choltitz loved Paris, but not so much the regime’s leadership, promptly ignored that order – most likely knowing that it could cost him his life.
This is one of the more fascinating stories that Jean Edward Smith tells in his book The Liberation of Paris: How Eisenhower, de Gaulle, and von Choltitz Saved the City of Light. The author mainly concentrated on De Gaulle’s request to liberate Paris, which the Allies were going to delay and simply go around.
Eisenhower, who realized that even though Paris was not strategically important, it was certainly an important political statement, decided that the liberation will take place. Much of the decision was to make sure that the communist resistance will not gain power in power vacuum which is most likely to happen.
Even though liberating the City of Light was a huge moral booster, it did delay the end of the war, giving the Nazis time to regroup. That being said, the emotional success in a war, is sometimes as important as a strategic success.
The main outcome of this book, for me, was the struggle to keep Paris from being destroyed. The politics and strategies that went into this thought Eisenhower and von Choltitz, both making sacrifices, do deserve to be told.
Even though the book is short, it is full of information told in a very readable manner. This is a compelling narrative for anyone interested in the era.
The Liberation of Paris: How Eisenhower, de Gaulle, and von Choltitz Saved the City of Light by Jean Edward Smith takes place during World War II and tells the title story in context of the war and politics. Mr. Smith is a prize winning historian.
Adolf Hitler, as one of the many villainous things he did over his life, was to order the commander of occupied Paris, Dietrich von Choltitz, to destroy the city at all costs. Von Choltitz loved Paris, but not so much the regime’s leadership, promptly ignored that order – most likely knowing that it could cost him his life.
This is one of the more fascinating stories that Jean Edward Smith tells in his book The Liberation of Paris: How Eisenhower, de Gaulle, and von Choltitz Saved the City of Light. The author mainly concentrated on De Gaulle’s request to liberate Paris, which the Allies were going to delay and simply go around.
Eisenhower, who realized that even though Paris was not strategically important, it was certainly an important political statement, decided that the liberation will take place. Much of the decision was to make sure that the communist resistance will not gain power in power vacuum which is most likely to happen.
Even though liberating the City of Light was a huge moral booster, it did delay the end of the war, giving the Nazis time to regroup. That being said, the emotional success in a war, is sometimes as important as a strategic success.
The main outcome of this book, for me, was the struggle to keep Paris from being destroyed. The politics and strategies that went into this thought Eisenhower and von Choltitz, both making sacrifices, do deserve to be told.
Even though the book is short, it is full of information told in a very readable manner. This is a compelling narrative for anyone interested in the era.
October 16, 2023
Nonfiction can be dry, filled with lots of facts. This is no exception, but Smith lays out the facts about how the different people work to liberate Paris from the Nazis and set up a post-war French government that works with all the factions. It takes some time to get into the book, but definitely worthwhile reading.
He shows how de Gaulle rose to power, how Eisenhower manipulated his command to make sure that France would end up in good hands and looked out for the best interests of all concerned, and how von Choltitz managed to protect Paris from destruction while keeping his superiors from hurting his family.
Of all the people Smith follows, von Choltitz may be the one person who could be hurt the most, but is the most noble in his desire to not destroy the city.
Fascinating history, that was never learned in high school, about the machinations of all of these leaders..
He shows how de Gaulle rose to power, how Eisenhower manipulated his command to make sure that France would end up in good hands and looked out for the best interests of all concerned, and how von Choltitz managed to protect Paris from destruction while keeping his superiors from hurting his family.
Of all the people Smith follows, von Choltitz may be the one person who could be hurt the most, but is the most noble in his desire to not destroy the city.
Fascinating history, that was never learned in high school, about the machinations of all of these leaders..
January 16, 2026
A pretty quick read, Smith's The Liberation of Paris focuses on the decisions made by three generals: Eisenhower, de Gaulle, and—the unsung hero of the story—von Choltitz. Thanks to Eisenhower's political savvy, de Gaulle's French influence, and von Choltitz's humanity, Paris was liberated from Nazi control and, despite Hitler's wishes, the City of Light was saved from total destruction.
August 3, 2019
This easy but educational historical read was wonderful, especially coming on the heels of our visit to Paris which we hold in high esteem. I found what von Choltitz did to be so admirable, brave and just.
September 5, 2022
Some aspects are very interesting and educational. Great to learn how the city of Paris was saved from disaster under a few people such as General Eisenhower during the liberation,end of WW2.
But I got a bit board of the detailed explanation…honestly speaking.
But I got a bit board of the detailed explanation…honestly speaking.
April 28, 2020
Short, but full of interesting details and personalities. Well worth the read and an essential piece of WWII history.
September 18, 2019
The author of this book died only last week but left a legacy of histories well-recognized for their insight and valuable historic information. This slim volume is no exception.
I knew very little about the circumstances surrounding the surprising surrender of Paris without a fight. The reason for the surrender was amazingly simple:
“Many Frenchmen doubted the wisdom of the government’s going to war. The right admired Hitler and Nazi Germany. For them, the war was indefensible. The left, though they despised Nazi totalitarianism, did not want war with any country, because of a devotion of pacifism and a conviction, taught in public schools since 1919, that war was an evil to be avoided at all costs. France’s enormous losses in World War 1 contributed to that feeling.” (2-3)
For the most part the citizens of Paris had very little if anything to complain about during the 1940 and 1941 occupation by the German army. The army controlled all of Paris with the French Vichy government controlling southern France and left much to themselves to run it as they saw fit.
“Throughout the occupation, the German army and the diplomatic corps did their best to observe the rules of international behavior. Whatever cruelty happened in Paris was the work of the Gestapo and SS, as well as the Vichy regime. “(13)
What changed after 1941 was Germany’s invasion of Russia.
“Without prior warning, the German army invaded the Soviet Union. In Paris, French Communists changed sides overnight, becoming enemies of the occupation. In many respects, the resistance to Hitler by significant number of Parisians dates to this event.” (16-17)
On the heels of this came the Vichy governments crackdown on the Jews in cooperation with the Germans.
When the occupation ended, eighty thousand Jews had been sent to concentration camps, and of those twenty-four thousand were of French nationality, the other fifty-six thousand being more recent arrivals. Only 3 percent returned alive. Bad as that may seem, it was considerably better than what happened in Belgium and Holland. And it was better because of the help provided by many French, to shield their Jewish neighbors.” (18)
De Gaulle had set up shop in Britain in an attempt to be recognized as the leader of the French government in exile. He had both Eisenhower’s and Churhill’s support. However Roosevelt and the American State Department were hostile to him.
“He (Alexis Leger, former French ambassador to the United States) was held in high esteem by Roosevelt and the State Department, and from the beginning was highly critical of General de Gaulle and the Free French movement. These views he shared repeatedly with the U. S. government, and they had effect.” (30)
Roosevelt and the State Department preferred working with the Vichy government.
How Eisenhower was able to convince a reluctant Roosevelt that de Gaulle was the better choice as well as allowing the French army to be allowed as the only army entering Paris for its relief along with the unexpected cooperation of the German general assigned with the task of utterly destroy all of Paris and everything in it before withdrawing is the real story of the book.
It is a story of great bravery, solid friendships and the loss of faith in Hitler’s leadership.
“Saturday, August 26, dawned bright and clear. It was another perfect day. And de Gaulle was satisfied and proud. Not only had Paris been liberated, but it had been done with few casualties, and little damage. Even more important, it had been done with a united France.” (183)
What a great piece of history I knew so very little about. But this is what great historians do. They open your eyes to certain moments in time that make the study of history the mystery it is and ensure its allure never fades.
April 4, 2023
An engrossing and fascinating history of the liberation of Paris Mt the French and the allies. I could not stop reading this.
June 24, 2020
The Liberation of Paris is an amazingly concise and fascinating history of the liberation of Paris during WWII. Roughly the first half of the book is spent covering the war in France in general which gives the reader the context they need to discuss the liberation of Paris. I appreciate that the author kept the book brief—I was able to read it over just two days.
I greatly appreciated the primer on WWII in France and this book finally taught me the history of Charles de Gaulle, a name I've known for a long time but couldn't tell you what he did before now.
I greatly appreciated the primer on WWII in France and this book finally taught me the history of Charles de Gaulle, a name I've known for a long time but couldn't tell you what he did before now.
November 9, 2019
Very good - and readable - book on the liberation of Paris during the Second World War. The author favors telling the story from De Gaulle’s point of view, but also does to tell the story from Eisenhower’s, von Choltitz’s, and from the FFI points of view — in that sense, it’s pretty balanced and fair. A pretty fast read!
August 3, 2021
What an amazingly well-written book. I am not a very big reader. As a matter of fact, this is my first book this year, But this one drew me in. The amount of detail written in 200 pages is incredible, and it seems no important facts were missed. High recommend.
October 27, 2021
A story of honour and courage. And an eye-opener about French politics around the war era. Winning the peace took more subtlety than winning the war. All in all, very interesting.
And well written. It is quite readable, without seeming to oversimplify.
And well written. It is quite readable, without seeming to oversimplify.
November 18, 2020
Fascinating
June 23, 2021
This book is absolutely amazing.
January 16, 2022
Endlessly fascinating
December 22, 2019
I enjoyed this book in many ways, since I thought I learned some interesting things about the liberation of Paris and World War II. Nonetheless, I found the writing boring and thought it lacked any sense of story. It’s one thing to lay out all the facts about the liberation of Paris as they occurred, but it’s another to convey a sense of place and time in history and I didn’t think Smith did that here.
The book also felt rushed to me. At slightly over 200 pages, we go from the occupation of France to the Liberation of Paris in a blur. Smith tries to account for a lot of people and moving parts and I didn’t feel there was enough time to introduce people fully and distinguish them from one another.
Even pages Smith devotes to after the war left me wondering why he concentrated on the aspects he did. I was left wondering questions like: why was von Choltitz thrown in prison? Simply because he and the Germans lost the war? Why was he released a couple years later? I thought answers to those questions would have been more interesting to learn than the fact de Gaulle attended Eisenhower’s funeral in 1969.
The most fascinating parts of the book for me were always the sections involving German General Dietrich von Choltitz. As if it needed explaining, Hitler was a mad man, who wanted to turn Paris to rubble rather than turn it over to the Allies. The fact that von Choltitz actively revolts against Hitler’s orders to preserve the sanctity, beauty and history of Paris is amazing.
Not only could von Choltitz have been arrested and charged with treason, but I learned of Germany’s “Sippenhaft” policy of punishing family members for any “crimes” (i.e. disobedience) he may have committed as well. I can only imagine the stress von Choltitz felt balancing his desire to protect his family while protecting the great city of Paris.
As a part German American, I found it interesting to hear about something “good” a German soldier did during World War II. All you usually hear about is the awful history of the Holocaust and the overall tyranny of the SS. The book revealed to me that perhaps not every German was entirely brainwashed by the Third Reich.
Some other interesting things I learned included the fact that they considered combining England and France into one country(!). I couldn’t believe that when I read it. I did not know about the massacre at Warsaw when many Polish people were murdered by the German army when the Poles thought the Soviets were going to rescue them, but the Soviets refused. The Allies were worried about a similar scenario could happen to Parisians during the German occupation.
Lastly, I thought the title of the book is misleading. I am not clear how de Gaulle saved Paris as much as Eisenhower and von Choltitz did. Eisenhower gave the order, which was politically motivated as much as militarily, to invade Paris. Von Choltitz refused orders to blow up bridges and destroy the city and risked the life and limb of him and his family. Smith makes it seem that what de Gaulle did as much as anything else was keep Paris and thus France from falling into the hands of the Communists. I guess in that way de Gaulle saved Paris over the long-term, but I didn’t think Smith established any important role de Gaulle played in the actual liberation of Paris.
The book also felt rushed to me. At slightly over 200 pages, we go from the occupation of France to the Liberation of Paris in a blur. Smith tries to account for a lot of people and moving parts and I didn’t feel there was enough time to introduce people fully and distinguish them from one another.
Even pages Smith devotes to after the war left me wondering why he concentrated on the aspects he did. I was left wondering questions like: why was von Choltitz thrown in prison? Simply because he and the Germans lost the war? Why was he released a couple years later? I thought answers to those questions would have been more interesting to learn than the fact de Gaulle attended Eisenhower’s funeral in 1969.
The most fascinating parts of the book for me were always the sections involving German General Dietrich von Choltitz. As if it needed explaining, Hitler was a mad man, who wanted to turn Paris to rubble rather than turn it over to the Allies. The fact that von Choltitz actively revolts against Hitler’s orders to preserve the sanctity, beauty and history of Paris is amazing.
Not only could von Choltitz have been arrested and charged with treason, but I learned of Germany’s “Sippenhaft” policy of punishing family members for any “crimes” (i.e. disobedience) he may have committed as well. I can only imagine the stress von Choltitz felt balancing his desire to protect his family while protecting the great city of Paris.
As a part German American, I found it interesting to hear about something “good” a German soldier did during World War II. All you usually hear about is the awful history of the Holocaust and the overall tyranny of the SS. The book revealed to me that perhaps not every German was entirely brainwashed by the Third Reich.
Some other interesting things I learned included the fact that they considered combining England and France into one country(!). I couldn’t believe that when I read it. I did not know about the massacre at Warsaw when many Polish people were murdered by the German army when the Poles thought the Soviets were going to rescue them, but the Soviets refused. The Allies were worried about a similar scenario could happen to Parisians during the German occupation.
Lastly, I thought the title of the book is misleading. I am not clear how de Gaulle saved Paris as much as Eisenhower and von Choltitz did. Eisenhower gave the order, which was politically motivated as much as militarily, to invade Paris. Von Choltitz refused orders to blow up bridges and destroy the city and risked the life and limb of him and his family. Smith makes it seem that what de Gaulle did as much as anything else was keep Paris and thus France from falling into the hands of the Communists. I guess in that way de Gaulle saved Paris over the long-term, but I didn’t think Smith established any important role de Gaulle played in the actual liberation of Paris.
April 8, 2019
Although I usually read nonfiction slowly, The Liberation of Paris proved one of those books that caught my interest early and refused to let me quit reading until I was finished.
"Jean Edward Smith (born October 13, 1932) is a biographer and the John Marshall Professor of Political Science at Marshall University.[1] He is also professor emeritus at the University of Toronto after having served as professor of political economy there for thirty-five years. Smith is also on the faculty of the Master of American History and Government program at Ashland University.[2]
The winner of the 2008 Francis Parkman Prize and the 2002 finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography, Smith has been called "today’s foremost biographer of formidable figures in American history."[1][3] " (Wikipedia)
One of those rare historians who can make history come alive, Jean Edward Smith's account of the liberation of Paris is an engrossing narrative of the three men who worked together to save the city. All three had to circumvent difficult situations (and often their immediate superiors) to do what they thought best.
At De Gaulle's request, Eisenhower's decision to liberate Paris--which Allied Planners wanted delayed--was largely political, to avoid the communist resistance gaining power, while Von Choltitz, knowing the war was lost and not wanting the blame for destroying Paris, did his best to avoid Hitler's command to defend the city to the last man and leave the city in ruins.
The machinations of all three men to save the city required some devious thinking, especially on the part of Von Choltitz, who was ordered to destroy the seventy bridges of Paris and reduce the city rubble. The communications between De Gaulle and Eisenhower are especially interesting, as are the communications between Von Choltitz and his superiors.
The liberation of Paris was a morale booster, but it did delay the end of the war by giving the Germans the opportunity to regroup. Regardless of whether it was the best decision possible, liberating Paris was a momentous emotional success, and the story that led up to the liberation is fascinating.
If you are interested in WWII, I highly recommend this compelling account of the liberation of Paris.
Read in April; blog review scheduled for July 9, 2019.
NetGalley/Simon & Schuster
Nonfiction/WWII. July 23, 2019. Print length: 256 pages.
"Jean Edward Smith (born October 13, 1932) is a biographer and the John Marshall Professor of Political Science at Marshall University.[1] He is also professor emeritus at the University of Toronto after having served as professor of political economy there for thirty-five years. Smith is also on the faculty of the Master of American History and Government program at Ashland University.[2]
The winner of the 2008 Francis Parkman Prize and the 2002 finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography, Smith has been called "today’s foremost biographer of formidable figures in American history."[1][3] " (Wikipedia)
One of those rare historians who can make history come alive, Jean Edward Smith's account of the liberation of Paris is an engrossing narrative of the three men who worked together to save the city. All three had to circumvent difficult situations (and often their immediate superiors) to do what they thought best.
At De Gaulle's request, Eisenhower's decision to liberate Paris--which Allied Planners wanted delayed--was largely political, to avoid the communist resistance gaining power, while Von Choltitz, knowing the war was lost and not wanting the blame for destroying Paris, did his best to avoid Hitler's command to defend the city to the last man and leave the city in ruins.
The machinations of all three men to save the city required some devious thinking, especially on the part of Von Choltitz, who was ordered to destroy the seventy bridges of Paris and reduce the city rubble. The communications between De Gaulle and Eisenhower are especially interesting, as are the communications between Von Choltitz and his superiors.
The liberation of Paris was a morale booster, but it did delay the end of the war by giving the Germans the opportunity to regroup. Regardless of whether it was the best decision possible, liberating Paris was a momentous emotional success, and the story that led up to the liberation is fascinating.
If you are interested in WWII, I highly recommend this compelling account of the liberation of Paris.
Read in April; blog review scheduled for July 9, 2019.
NetGalley/Simon & Schuster
Nonfiction/WWII. July 23, 2019. Print length: 256 pages.
June 20, 2022
Great things often come in small(er) packages, and this just over 200 page volume packs a wallop! From the distinguished Presidential biographer Jean Edward Smith, here is the multi-layered story of the summer of 1944, when with the Allies marching to the East, an increasingly deranged (and that's deranged!) Hitler orders Paris burned, leveled, and destroyed as the Nazi's withdraw from the City of Light. Smith's narrative weaves much of political and military background bringing Paris to this perilous moment. Dominating the story are the formidable figures of Charles de Gaulle, Dwight Eisenhower and head of Nazi occupation in Paris General Dietrich von Choltitz. It is Choltitz with so much to lose, and meeting the post bombing/assassination Hitler is struck by the man's physical and mental decline. And it is Choltitz who is determined that Paris NOT be destroyed. In this goal the German General places himself and his wife and children in mortal danger, as the families of Nazi generals are prized a veritable hostages to orders from Berlin. But the German engages in a cagey game of disinformation and outreach to fellow officers to postpone and save the city from destruction. He even lays out at one point his "plan" for the destruction of the monuments of Paris, their twisted wreckage awakening one loyal Nazi to the madness of it all. We also have Eisenhower, displaying already the political sensitivity and human relationship skill which lays the groundwork for his own future. Charles de Gaulle is, well, deGaulle. Courageous and arrogant. A great read. ( I must admit that reading this book during the January 6th. hearings, the image of a leader facing defeat exhibiting megalomania and delusion regarding facts was discomforting. Did Hitler really ask "IS Paris burning" cannot be answered.) ABOVE ALL IN von Choltitz and Eisenhower and a host of Allied and yes even Nazi Generals, pride, blinding self confidence and career ambition-even LIFE itself, are put aside for a greater good. HERE IS A STORY OF LEADERSHIP AND COURAGE. And the bells of Paris ringing out the news of liberation, from Notre Dame's towers across the city. That was thrilling. !
October 15, 2019
I had read "Is Paris Burning?" by Collins and Lapierre when it was published in 1965 and thought it would be interesting to read another version of the story written with a half-century of additional perspective and research. This book is an easy read for a complicated subject.
There are very few history books where a Nazi general comes off as the good guy. In this case, von Choltitz, who was in charge of Wehrmacht operations in Paris, deliberately stalls definitive orders from Hitler to fight to the death in Paris and to destroy the city rather than permitting it to fall into Allied hands. In doing so, he puts his family, who were effective hostages in Germany to ensure his obedience, at risk. In all counts he was successful. There is good background on the decision of Eisenhower to change tactical plans, which originally called for bypassing Paris, to occupy the city quickly so that von Choltitz would not be forced into obeying Hitler's orders. Additionally, the military aspects of the decisions are examined in light of the political goals of facilitating a post-war government by the French themselves rather than a military government and, at the same time, preventing a communist takeover.
The book is extensively footnoted, and there are supplemental snippets of historical background at the end of each chapter. My only criticism is that I would have liked an expansion of what happened with the principals, particularly the French and Germans, post war. While this information is presented in a cursory manner, an elaboration of the bare facts would have been nice.
There are very few history books where a Nazi general comes off as the good guy. In this case, von Choltitz, who was in charge of Wehrmacht operations in Paris, deliberately stalls definitive orders from Hitler to fight to the death in Paris and to destroy the city rather than permitting it to fall into Allied hands. In doing so, he puts his family, who were effective hostages in Germany to ensure his obedience, at risk. In all counts he was successful. There is good background on the decision of Eisenhower to change tactical plans, which originally called for bypassing Paris, to occupy the city quickly so that von Choltitz would not be forced into obeying Hitler's orders. Additionally, the military aspects of the decisions are examined in light of the political goals of facilitating a post-war government by the French themselves rather than a military government and, at the same time, preventing a communist takeover.
The book is extensively footnoted, and there are supplemental snippets of historical background at the end of each chapter. My only criticism is that I would have liked an expansion of what happened with the principals, particularly the French and Germans, post war. While this information is presented in a cursory manner, an elaboration of the bare facts would have been nice.
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