Ever had a moment where things went from bad to worse super quick? Well, the French know that feeling all too well from World War II!

• When? 22 June 1940
• What happened? France said "I give up!" to the Germans.
• Consequences:
  • Northern France 📍: Became Germany's playground (and they got cool submarine bases!)
  • Southern France 🍷: "Bonjour, German overlords!" A puppet show with Marshal Philippe Pétain leading the French State, but the Germans held the strings.

🤓 Did You Know? The puppet-controlled area was nicknamed the "Vichy Republic".

• Hold Up! Not Everyone Gave Up! General Charles De Gaulle was like, "I'm not done yet!" From London, he led the ‘Free French’ squad, rallying the Frenchies to stand up to the Germans.

• Hitler & Mussolini: BFFs with war cravings, but Italy was the kind of friend who'd say they're ready to go out but take ages to get dressed!
• Mussolini's Big Move: As France was tripping, on 10 June 1940, Mussolini yelled, "Surprise! I'm with the bad guys!" hoping the war would end before his pizza got cold.
• 📚 Historian Gossip! Professor Julian Jackson says Mussolini just didn’t wanna feel FOMO or look like Hitler's sidekick.
• Italy's Fail Adventures: Mussolini tried to snatch Egypt and Greece like they were the last slices of pizza.
  • Egypt 🌴: Britain said, "Not today!" Pushed Italy back and took a piece of their fleet as a souvenir!
  • Greece 🥙: Greece showed Italy the exit and said, "Thanks for the visit!" and even checked out Albania on their way home.
• Italy's Oopsie Effects:
  • Italy: Not the best war planner! Maybe stick to making pizza? 🍕
  • Germany: Mussolini's mess meant Hitler had to clean up and delay his big plan - Operation Barbarossa (trying to invade the big, scary Soviet Union).