In May 1940, during World War II, German forces launched the Western Campaign by crossing the Meuse River as part of the wider blitzkrieg offensive against France and the Low Countries. The attack was concentrated through the Ardennes region, where German armored divisions broke through French defenses at key points including Sedan after heavy air and artillery bombardment. This rapid penetration enabled mechanized units to outflank Allied positions, leading to the collapse of coordinated French resistance within weeks and the eventual fall of Paris in June 1940.
1940 German Invasion of France Begins (Meuse Crossing)
