As German forces initiated their rapid campaign in France in May 1940, the Luftwaffe played a crucial role in supporting ground troops through strategic bombing. The raids on Paris began on June 3, 1940, as the German military sought to undermine French morale and cripple their war efforts. Paris, as the capital city, was a symbolic target, representing the heart of French military and political power. The Luftwaffe's tactics included targeting bridges, railways, and military installations to maximize disruption. The raids were characterized by high-altitude bombing runs, which aimed to hit critical infrastructures while avoiding direct attacks on the civilian population when possible.

Despite initial evacuations and preparations, the bombing campaigns caught many Parisians off-guard, creating chaos and fear among the populace. Paris had not experienced significant warfare on its soil for over a century, and the sudden bombings harkened the grim realities of modern warfare. The destruction caused by the Luftwaffe raids would leave a lasting scar on the city. Additionally, these events were part of a larger pattern of aerial warfare that would define the conflict, demonstrating the evolving tactics that military forces utilized in World War II.

Following the bombings, the French military responded by fortifying defenses around Paris. However, as the situation escalated, it became clear that the German military machine was proving to be overwhelmingly effective. The ongoing military successes of the German forces culminated in the eventual fall of Paris later in June, which further solidified Germany's grip on France and laid down the groundwork for the occupation that followed.