VICTORY IN THE WEST GERMAN INVASION OF BELGIUM, HOLLAND & FRANCE 1940 PART 1 of 4 (Print 1) 83984

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Disclaimer:

This historic German film was produced during WWII as propaganda in support of the National Socialist regime. It is presented in its original form as an historical document so that students, educators, researchers and the general public can see how the Nazi regime justified its criminal activities. The political symbols of the regime, including the flag, swastika and eagle, may appear on screen. Periscope Film absolutely condemns the Nazi regime and affirms that it committed grave atrocities, war crimes, and crimes against humanity before and during WWII. These include the tragic, mass extermination of millions of innocent civilians. We preserve these films in part so that these terrible events and victims are not forgotten.


Sieg im Westen (1941) is a Nazi propaganda film documenting Germany’s Blitzkrieg campaign against France and the Low Countries in May–June 1940. Produced by the German Army High Command, not Goebbels’ Propaganda Ministry, it opens with a historical narrative portraying Germany as a victim of British hostility, the Versailles Treaty, and Polish aggression. Adolf Hitler is presented as the redeemer of a humiliated nation, restoring strength and unity through the Nazi Party. The film then shifts to the military build-up and campaigns, showing Germany’s invasions of Poland, Denmark, and Norway as defensive and necessary. It culminates in the Western offensive, with a dramatized account of German strategy, rapid troop movements, and alleged enemy provocation. Unlike other propaganda films, it acknowledges enemy bravery but frames German victory as inevitable, noble, and essential for national survival.






0:00 – Film opens with a disclaimer about historical purposes; patriotic music and military oaths are heard, emphasizing loyalty to Adolf Hitler and sacrifice for Germany.

1:16 – Historical context begins: The unification of German states under Bismarck is presented as the foundation of national strength and prosperity.

2:14 – Britain is portrayed as fearing Germany’s rise and initiating encirclement policies, which are blamed for causing World War I.

2:38 – The film depicts Germany fighting heroically in WWI, but blames the loss on internal betrayal and external blockades, especially by Britain.

3:31 – The Treaty of Versailles is labeled a “shameful” betrayal that devastated Germany economically and socially.

4:54 – Adolf Hitler is introduced as the savior rising from the ruins of the First World War, founding the Nazi Party and rebuilding national unity.

5:57 – Despite disarmament and mock weapons, Germany is shown as determined to defy the Versailles Treaty and rebuild its strength.

6:19 – Hitler’s rise to power in 1933 is framed as a national turning point, uniting the political and military spirit of the nation.

7:24 – Britain is shown rejecting Hitler’s peace and disarmament proposals, leading to German rearmament and the reinstatement of conscription.

8:25 – Hitler is portrayed as reversing the Versailles conditions: remilitarizing the Rhineland, annexing Austria (Ostmark), and reclaiming the Sudetenland.

9:10 – Construction of the Westwall (Siegfried Line) is depicted as a defensive necessity against Western threats.

9:42 – Czechoslovakia is placed under German “protection,” eliminating it as a Western base.

10:07 – Poland becomes the last hope of Western powers. Anti-German atrocities in Poland are emphasized as justification for action.

11:28 – Hitler’s Reichstag speech on 1 September 1939 claims Poland attacked first, marking the beginning of WWII.

12:33 – After 18 days, Germany claims total victory over Poland; Warsaw capitulates. German focus shifts to the Western Front.

13:12 – Hitler offers peace to the West, which is rejected. Germany then preempts Allied plans in Scandinavia, invading Denmark and Norway.

14:01 – Germany secures a continuous western front from Narvik to Basel. 16:16 – On 10 May 1940, Hitler addresses the troops before launching the Western campaign, framing the offensive as a fight for national survival.

17:31 – Allegations that Britain and France violated Belgian and Dutch neutrality. Hitler claims Germany is acting in defense.

19:24 – German forces begin advancing. The film shows bridges being destroyed and defenses being encountered in Belgium and the Netherlands.

20:02 – Hitler discusses his bold plan with top generals including Brauchitsch and Rundstedt. The three Army Groups (A, B, C) prepare coordinated attacks.

21:36 – German paratroopers land in Holland and Belgium.

22:16 – At dawn, German armies begin a massive coordinated assault across a broad front.






This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k/4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com