Why did Germany want to invade France?

Germany realized that a war with Russia meant a war with France, and so its war plans called for an immediate attack on France – through Belgium – hoping for a quick victory before the slow-moving Russians could become a factor.

What was Germany’s problem with going through Belgium?

There was one problem with the Schlieffen plan: It required that Germany first cross Belgium, a neutral country that wanted no part of a major European war. Germany could not simply invade and conquer Belgium without creating negative feelings in other countries.

Why didn’t Germany invade France through Italy?

Italy was not a belligerent in the war, as it reneged on its alliance with Germany. Such an attack would only be possible if Germany invaded Italy too. Italy-France border is highly mountainous and narrow, making fast operations like those necessary to beat France rapidly a near impossibility.

How many Belgians died in World War 2?

88,000 Belgians
In total, approximately 88,000 Belgians died during the conflict, a figure representing 1.05 percent of the country’s pre-war population, and around 8 percent of the country’s GDP was destroyed.

Why did Germany go through Belgium?

To avoid the French fortifications along the French-German border, the troops had to cross Belgium and attack the French Army by the north. Of course, Belgians refused to let them through, so the Germans decided to enter by force and invaded Belgium on Aug. 4, 1914.

Why did Germany invade Belgium and France?

Germany declared war on France. To avoid the French fortifications along the French-German border, the troops had to cross Belgium and attack the French Army by the north. Of course, Belgians refused to let them through, so the Germans decided to enter by force and invaded Belgium on Aug. 4, 1914.

When did Germany invade France?

May 10, 1940 – June 25, 1940
Battle of France/Periods