Online Lecture: War in the Summer of 1940 — The Battle of France

Very informative! Spencer Jones is so knowledgeable and such an incredible lecturer. I could listen to him all day. I learned a lot.

This presentation offered a fascinating look at one of the most dramatic turning points of World War II. The summer of 1940 was a dark and uncertain time in Europe, when—for a few pivotal weeks—Hitler came dangerously close to winning the war. Dr. Jones, guided us through the opening chapter of this critical period with his usual clarity and insight. In May 1940, Germany unleashed a lightning-fast blitzkrieg in the West, and the fall of France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg followed with astonishing speed. He not only how this collapse happened but also why it reshaped the entire course of the war. I’ve now seen several of Dr. Jones’s presentations, and I’ve loved every one of them. He has a gift for making complex military history both accessible and compelling, and this lecture was no exception. I’m very much looking forward to next week’s session by Dr. Jones on the Dunkirk Evacuation, when he continues his exploration of that remarkable summer.

Fantastic program! Dr Jones has a way of delivering history that is so engaging and leaves you wanting more. Attending his lecture is like watching a serial movie. I can’t wait for the next episode.

Spencer Jones is an outstanding speaker and extremely knowledgeable about WWII. I completely enjoyed his presentation and plan on attending more.

Dr Jones delivered with passion an outstanding lecture detailing France in 1940. He set the table perfectly giving background information from WWI and how it influenced French military planning prior to and during WWII. His presentation included easily read maps that depicted fortifications and military movements.

Dr Spencer Jones' presentation was packed full of facts and descriptions of why the French were not able to repel the German during May 1940. He had a great description of the Maginot Line and fully explained why the French counterattack did not work. The talk was fascinating and very well prepared and executed.