France began World War II as part of the Allied powers but quickly fell to Germany in 1940, leading to occupation and the establishment of the Vichy regime. Despite the occupation, French resistance movements grew, and the Free French Forces under Charles de Gaulle continued fighting. The D-Day landings in June 1944 marked the start of France's liberation, culminating in the liberation of Paris by August. France's resistance efforts and Free French contributions were vital to the Allied victory, ultimately restoring the French Republic.