For years, historians have blamed King Leopold of Belgium. But did they fall for Allied propaganda? British soldiers fire at German aircraft during the Dunkirk evacuation. Via Wikimedia.

Who was responsible for Dunkirk?

On 12th May 1940, Adolf Hitler ordered the invasion of France. By 14th May 1940, German tanks had crossed the Meuse and had opened up a gap in the Allied front. Six days later they reached the English Channel.

What was Hitler's mistake in Dunkirk?

Hitler's greatest mistake was giving the British public enduring hope, ruling out any chance of them suing for peace. He gave them an endurance that was rewarded five years later on May 8, 1945, when Nazi Germany surrendered.