Paris became an international metropolis during the 20th Century. Mobilisation was called in 1914, and Parisians were very enthusiastic about it. They saw it as a way to avenge their defeat in 1870. The Germans arrived at the Marne, and on September 2nd the government moved its seat from Paris to Bordeaux. During World War I, Paris was the supply depot for 4.5 million fighters. Over the four years of the war, the city was bombed innumerable times, and around 900 people died. What’s more, the cannon named Big Bertha sent 303 shells down on Paris, killing or wounding over 1,000 people.

A large celebration took place on Armistice Day, November 11th, 1918, which marked the official end of World War I. Later, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was placed under the Arc de Triomphe. Since then, Parisians attend a ceremony at the tomb on November 11th, held annually in remembrance of the many soldiers who died in the war.

It’s worth mentioning that between 1918 and 1939, efforts were made to resolve some of the urban problems. The fortifications, deemed useless, were replaced by des Maréchaux Blvd., the first route encircling Paris. An attempt was made to build cheap housing for moderate rent in Paris and the inner suburbs between 1927 and 1934.

Sadly, in 1940 the Germans entered Paris. Marshal Petain asked for a cease-fire on June 17th. The Germans remained in Paris until 1944. Resistance was organised speedily, but as Paris was under close surveillance, the movement ran into many obstacles. However, the various resistance groups finally united in Paris in 1943. German troops quickly made their presence felt, rendering city development practically non-existent.

Paris was freed in August of 1944. The outcome of the final battle was decided by the armored division of General Leclerc. He gave a great speech at the Hôtel de Ville in the wake of the battle. Hitler ordered Commander Dietrich Von Choltitz to raze Paris, but the latter refused. Paris was exceptionally lucky in this sense.