MS,

I do not think that in respect of dominating Europe Hitler was so different to Napoleon, for example. So what? The Germans (Prussia, Austria and others) lost several times and tried again afterwards, until they finally succeded.

The question was: Is this really the fate of Germany and France. WW1 was so stupid, so many people died on both sides, the peace treaty was so bad and it only lasted a couple of years. I guess many people in France wondered if it was not possible to break this vicious circle and arrange with the Germans. Like they did after the war.

Hitler lost this chance.

a) What would have happened if Hitler would have made peace with Petain and retreated the German troops. France would have had no or almost no motivation to fight. (I think they would have been glad to accept the German dominance of Poland and would even supported the German invasion in the USSR).

b) What would have happened if GB had stopped fighting. Hitler would have been glad and he would have offered excellent conditions. His goal was Russia, not Britain. And the Brits had no symphaty for the Soviets. I guess an agreement was not impossible. The hurdles were Churchill (who was a bullhead) and Hitler (who was a fool; a criminal and mad fool).

In both cases France could have find a new position in Europe without a worldwar.