war between Germany and France

France, along with the British forces supporting it, had more than 300,000 soldiers. On paper, both sides were equal in troop numbers and weapons. France had heavily fortified its border with Germany. They had an entire defensive line called the Maginot Line. But as you know, the Germans weren't stupid. They had to make sure they wouldn't try to break through it. Therefore, France, along with the British, expected the Germans to capture Belgium, that small country between them, and move their troops through it, just like they did in World War I. So they mobilized their forces in Belgium in anticipation of this. One more point worth mentioning: right along the French border is a huge forest called the Ardennes. France didn't fortify it because the German army relied on tanks, and tanks can't drive through dense forests. That's what the French president thought: there was no need to fortify it. The British and French had amassed most of their troops near Belgium, deployed their defenses, and prepared to meet the Germans. And it looked like they were right: the Germans might move into the Netherlands. What? Everyone would think. Why are they dividing their forces? This alone had already confused the Allies and greatly alarmed them. But then came a big surprise. Contrary to the French expectations, the Germans might attack from more than just Belgium. They had divided their forces, striking Belgium and the Netherlands, but the bulk of the army would break through right in front of the Ardennes forest.