During the Fall of 1944, once the Western Allies had gained military advantage over the Nazis, the crown jewel of Allied strategy became the liberation of Paris--the capital of France so long held in captivity...In fact,Charles de Gaulle, leader of the Free French Forces gave General Leclerc, his second, orders for the liberation of the city as early as December 1943...Amidst the swirling streams of self-interest and intrigue that beset the capital on the eve of its liberation, this book makes clear that Leclerc and his 2nd Armoured Division were the real heroes of the liberation and that marching on their capital city was their raison d'etre. At issue was the reconstitution of France itself, after its dark night of the soul under the Germans, and despite the demands of the Anglo-Americans and France's own insurrections. That a great power was restored is now manifest, with this book explaining how it was ensured.