25th August 1944: Liberation of Paris as the Nazi German garrison surrenders the city to the Allies

A series of actions by the Nazis against French political prisoners and members of the resistance had previously sparked mass civil unrest. This began on 15 August and climaxed three days later with a general strike. However, having been ruled by the Nazis for over four years, the liberation of the capital was not a priority for the forces under General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Furthermore, the Allied commanders were unwilling to risk the destruction of the city since they were aware that Hitler had said it ‘must not fall into the enemy's hand except lying in complete debris.’

Having received reports that the US Third Army led by General Patton was close to Paris, but unaware that they did not intend to attack the city Von Choltitz, the Nazi military governor, ordered explosives to be placed at strategic points. The Nazis never had the chance to detonate them.

The German military withdrew down the Champs Élysées on the morning of 19 August. At this point the French Forces of the Interior, otherwise known as the French resistance, seized the opportunity to begin a full-scale uprising. Barricades were erected the next day, with fighting reaching a peak three days later. It was this that persuaded Eisenhower to change his plan and allow Allied troops to enter Paris.

Over 800 resistance fighters died before the Free French 2nd Armoured Division led by Captain Raymond Dronne arrived to assist the uprising just before midnight on 24 August. On 25 August the US 4th Infantry Division entered the city. Von Choltitz surrendered later that day.