American History Chapter 17: World War II: The Road to War (1931 – 1941) II. Europe Goes to War

Objectives Understand how the German invasion of Poland led to war with Britain and France. See what wartime victories and setbacks Germany experienced in western Europe. Find out why the Battle of Britain was an important victory for Britain.

Bell Ringer Germany’s successful attack plan called blitzkreig gave them quick key victories in Poland, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, and France. What type of tactical advantage did these early victories give Germany? What were some “new fighting techniques” used in the Civil War and WWI?

A) Invasion of Poland Page 575 After the conquest of Czechoslovakia, Britain and France abandon appeasement and warn Hitler not to take Poland Hitler did not want a 2 front war – signs the 10 year Nonagression Pact with Stalin and the USSR. Secret part was to divide up Poland and rest of Eastern Europe. Sept 1st, 1939 WWII starts – Poland falls

B) War in the West Sitzkreig: “phony war” period of several months after the fall of Poland of no fighting. Maginot Line – French defense – concrete wall between Germany and France Germans attack Norway on April 9th, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium all fall quickly German army races through France and divides its army into 2. Miracle at Dunkirk: 350,000 British and French troops trapped on beach – 9 days and tremendous effort rescues all but 30,000. Fight another day.

The Fall of France June 14th 1940 Paris falls June 22nd, France surrenders France divided into 2 – North and Atlantic coast controlled by Germany, the South out of Vichy, controlled by France collaboration: close cooperation Resistance: groups of French citizens who sabotaged German operations in France French in England formed the Free French under General Charles de Gaulle – still fought the Germans with colonies. Britain stands alone against Germany 10) allies: Britain, US, and USSR

C) The Battle of Britain Chamberlain replaced by Winston Churchill as Prime Minister of England Germany ready to invade England – need air superiority first – Luftwaffe – German air force (Nazi) Battle of Britain – RAF German bombers get lost – bomb London –British retaliate and bomb Berlin – Hitler orders bombing of London instead of factories – 1st big mistake. 20,000 Londoners died British break the Enigma code – know where they are going to be attacked – also had Radar. RAF – win the battle of Britain

Review How did the German invasion of Poland lead to war with Britain and France? What wartime victories and setbacks did Germany experience in western Europe? Why was the Battle of Britain an important victory for Britain?