32.1 Hitler’s Lightning War Using the sudden, mass attack called the blitzkrieg, Germany overruns much of Europe and North Africa

Germany Sparks a New War in Europe Secret Agreement Nonaggression pact—Stalin and Hitler signed a 10-year agreement in 1939. Agreement included secret deal to divide Poland, and USSR could take over Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Ribbentrop and Stalin at the signing of the Pact

Text of the secret protocol (in German)

Germany Sparks a New War in Europe Germany’s Lightning Attack September 1, 1939—Hitler launches a surprise invasion of Poland Britain, France declare war on Germany, but Poland falls quickly Blitzkrieg—lightning war—Germany’s new military strategy Fast-moving airplanes, tanks, followed by massive infantry forces. Used to surprise enemy and quickly conquer

The Soviets Make Their Move September 17, 1939, Soviet troops occupied the eastern half of Poland,then moved to annex Lithuania. Finland resisted Soviets unprepared for winter fighting which was a critical mistake Soviets suffered heavy losses, but finally won.

Germany Sparks a New War in Europe The Phony War French, British mobilize along French border known as the Maginot Line, and waited for German attack Many months of no action—the “Phony War” British Ministry of Home Security poster of a type that was common during the Phony War

Germany’s Lightning Attack The Phony War In April, 1940, Hitler surprise attacks and quickly captures Denmark and Norway. Once they fell, Germany built bases from which they could launch strikes on Great Britain

German infantry attacking through a burning Norwegian village.

German Neubaufahrzeug tanks in Oslo.

The Fall of France Further Gains May 1940—Hitler began a sweep through Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg In ten days, German army reached France’s northern coast.

The Fall of France Rescue at Dunkirk End of May 1940, German forces trap Allied forces on coast of Dunkirk British Navy and civilians take ships across the English Channel to rescue soldiers Carried 338,000 soldiers to safety. British troops evacuating Dunkirk's beaches. Many stood shoulder deep in water for hours, waiting to board the warships.

Rescue at Dunkirk

Evacuation of Dunkirk

The Fall of France France Falls June 1940—Germany takes Paris and France surrenders. Germany controlled the north and left the south to a puppet government in Vichy. Charles de Gaulle, French general, set up a government in-exile in London. Organized the Free French Military.

The Battle of Britain Threat to Britain When France fell, Great Britain stood alone against the Nazis. Winston Churchill— Becomes British prime minister and vows no surrender.

Winston Churchill giving his famous 'V' sign We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets… we shall never surrender.”

The Battle of Britain Germany planned invasion of Britain; began with air attacks in 1940 German air force first targeted airfields then the cities British air force (RAF) although outnumbered hit back hard. Radar and the Enigma (code-breaking) helped the British to resist Germany Battle of Britain—Air war over Britain that lasted until May 1941 Stunned by British resistance, Hitler turns his focus to Mediterranean and Eastern Europe Taught the Allies a crucial lesson - Hitler’s attacks could be blocked.

Aircraft spotter on the roof of a building in London. St Aircraft spotter on the roof of a building in London. St. Paul's Cathedral is in the background. 306-NT-901B-3.

Standing up gloriously out of the flames and smoke of surrounding buildings, St. Paul's Cathedral is pictured during the great fire raid of Sunday December 29th." 1940. 306-NT-3173V.

Over 500 firemen and members of the London Auxiliary Fire Fighting Services, including many women, combined in a war exercise over the ground covered by Greenwich (London) Fire Station." Ca. July 1939. 306-NT-901-19.

Children of an eastern suburb of London, who have been made homeless by the random bombs of the Nazi night raiders, waiting outside the wreckage of what was their home." September 1940. 306-NT-3163V.

Two bewildered old ladies stand amid the leveled ruins of the almshouse which was Home; until Jerry dropped his bombs. Total war knows no bounds. Almshouse bombed Feb. 10, Newbury, Berks., England." Naccarata, February 11, 1943. 111-SC-178801.

Life in London during the war Life in London during the war. View of a V-1 rocket (flying bomb) in flight, ca. 1944. 306-NT-3157V. The British nickname was a “Doodlebug”

A London bus is submerged in a bomb crater after a German air raid.

The Mediterranean and the Eastern Front Axis Forces Attack North Africa Mussolini and Italy at first neutral Mussolini declares war on France and Britain after German victory September 1940—Mussolini attacks British in North Africa. Pushed into Egypt for the Suez Canal.

Italian L3/33 in North Africa

The Mediterranean and the Eastern Front Britain Strikes Back December 1940—British attack and drive Italians back Took 130,000 Italian prisoners To save his Axis partner, Hitler sent a German tank force commanded by General Erwin Rommel. In 1942, Rommel (“Desert Fox”) first retreats then succeeds against British

Gen. Erwin Rommel with the 15th Panzer Division between Tobruk and Sidi Omar. Sdf. Zwilling, Libya, January or November 24, 1941. 242-EAPC-6-M713a.

General Bernard L. Montgomery watches his tanks move up General Bernard L. Montgomery watches his tanks move up." North Africa, November 1942. 208-PU-138LL-3.

The Mediterranean and the Eastern Front The War in the Balkans Hitler plans to invade Soviet Union; the Balkans were key to Hitler’s invasion plan Early 1941, Hitler persuaded Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary to join the Axis Powers. Yugoslavia and Greece resisted Hitler invaded Yugoslavia and Greece in April 1941; both fell quickly

An animation depicting the Axis invasion of Yugoslavia from the Why We Fight series of propaganda films.

The Mediterranean and the Eastern Front Hitler Invades the Soviet Union Operation Barbarossa - Hitler’s plan to invade the Soviet Union Germany invades an unprepared Soviet Union in June 1941 As Soviets retreated, they used the scorched-earth strategy like they did with Napoleon Germans stopped at Leningrad, forced to undertake long siege 1 million Russians died during the winter of 1941- 1942 The city refused to fall

The Mediterranean and the Eastern Front Hitler Invades the Soviet Union Impatient, Hitler looked to Moscow, the capital of the Soviet Union. December, 1941, Soviets counter-attacked causing the Germans to retreat. Hitler ordered “No Retreat!” German soldiers in summer uniforms Held line 125 miles west of Moscow until March of 1943 Gained nothing, but cost the German’s 500,000 lives

Russian soldiers prepare to attack German lines outside Leningrad.

A column of Red Army POWs captured near Minsk is marched west.

A group of Soviet POWs, taken to undefined Prison Camp

The United States Aids Its Allies American Policy Most Americans wanted to avoid war Between 1935 and 1937, Congress passed the Neutrality Acts making it illegal to sell or lend money to nations at war. To support the Allies, Roosevelt asked congress to allow Allies to buy American arms. Lend-Lease Act— President could lend or lease arms to any country vital to the United States.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Lend-Lease bill to give aid to Britain and China (1941)

The United States Aids Its Allies Roosevelt and Churchill meet, issue statement of principles Atlantic Charter— supports free trade, right to choose their own government