Holland (May 10-15, 1940):
- On May 10, 1940, Germany launched a surprise attack on the neutral countries of Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands (Holland), violating their neutrality and initiating the Western Front of World War II.
- The German forces quickly overran Dutch defenses, despite fierce resistance from the Dutch army.
- By May 15, the Dutch government had surrendered and the country was fully occupied by Germany.
Belgium (May 28, 1940):
- Belgian forces, along with French and British troops, initially resisted the German invasion but struggled to hold their ground against the overwhelming German firepower and blitzkrieg tactics.
- On May 28, King Leopold III of Belgium made the controversial decision to surrender the Belgian army, despite some pockets of resistance continuing to fight.
- The German occupation of Belgium began and lasted until it was liberated in September 1944.
France (June 17-25, 1940):
- Following the fall of Belgium, the German forces continued their advances into France.
- The French army, supported by British forces, attempted to halt the German invasion, but they were gradually overwhelmed by the superior German military strategy.
- On June 14, Paris was declared an open city to avoid unnecessary destruction, and the French government relocated to Tours, followed by Bordeaux.
- On June 22, the French government signed an armistice with Germany, officially ending hostilities.
- The armistice divided France into two zones: the German-occupied zone in the north and west, and the Vichy-controlled zone in the south.
