The "Fall of France" refers to the rapid defeat of French and Allied forces by Nazi Germany during World War II in May and June 1940. Following the invasion, German troops bypassed the heavily fortified Maginot Line and launched a surprise attack through the Ardennes forest, leading to the encirclement of French and British forces. By June 14, 1940, German forces captured Paris, and the French government signed an armistice on June 22, resulting in the occupation of northern France. This event marked a significant turning point in the war, leading to the establishment of the Vichy regime in the unoccupied southern part of France.