Operation Fall Rot, or Case Red, was initiated during the ongoing Battle of France, which saw German forces executing a rapid and effective invasion of French territory. Following their success in Operation Fall Gelb (Case Yellow), which began on May 10, 1940, and led to the encirclement of Allied forces, the German command sought to capitalize on their tactical advantages. The focus turned to the remaining French divisions located south of the River Somme. The offensive relied on established blitzkrieg strategies, which combined coordinated attacks using infantry, tanks, and air support to disable and demoralize the enemy quickly. German military planners, including General Heinz Guderian, emphasized mobility and decisive engagement in this phase of the campaign.As the offensive commenced, French forces were still regrouping and struggling to adapt to the rapid changes in battlefield conditions. Despite some isolated counterattacks, the German forces quickly overwhelmed the French defenses, capturing significant territories and further loosening France's hold over the region. The operation's effectiveness came from not only the surprise element but also the use of mechanized infantry and armor in concentrated movements against weaker French positions. The pressure applied by the Germans led to the disintegration of coordinated French strategies, laying the groundwork for a devastating defeat in subsequent weeks.