America: Pathways to the Present Chapter 17 World War II: The Road to War “Europe Goes to War” Copyright © 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. All rights reserved.

Europe Goes to War READING FOCUS 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? Chapter 17, Section 2

Invasion of Poland After annexing the Rhineland, Austria and the Sudetenland, Hitler continued to invade other portions of Europe >>> Britain and France had no option but to finally end their policy of appeasement –They warned Hitler that an invasion of Poland would mean war. –Hitler did not fear nor believe Britain and France. Hitler continues along his strategic path to conquer Europe! Chapter 17, Section 2

Invasion of Poland August 1939, Hitler and Stalin (Germany and the Soviet Union) sign the “Non-Aggression Pact” –Helps Germany avoid fighting a “two-front” war –Germany and the Soviet Union agree to attack Poland and split the country (and other nations) between the two of them Chapter 17, Section 2

Invasion of Poland September 1, 1939, Germany invades Poland. Germany quickly overran Poland using a new military tactic called “BLITZKRIEG” (“lightening war”). – Blitzkrieg = A massive, concentrated and overwhelming attack on a focused area!! TWO DAYS LATER September 3, 1939 Britain and France declared war on Germany. Chapter 17, Section 2

War in Western Europe September 1939, Poland falls to Germany in three weeks April 1940, Germany quickly conquers Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Chapter 17, Section 2

The “FALL OF FRANCE” France was next in line for Germany’s conquest “THE MAGINOT LINE” France prepared a massive line of fortifications along the French/German border (the Maginot Line) Chapter 17, Section 2 The Fall of France

The “FALL OF FRANCE” France was next in line for Germany’s conquest “THE MAGINOT LINE” France prepared a massive structure of fortifications along the French/German border (called the Maginot Line) The Fall of France

THE MAGINOT LINE Technological Marvel Housing Recreational Area Air Conditioning Underground Rail Lines Thick Concrete Chapter 17, Section 2 The Fall of France

THE MAGINOT LINE” – NOT!! One of the GREATEST..military “FAILURES” ever!!!!! Germany just went around it! June 22, 1940, France surrenders to Germany (less than a month) Chapter 17, Section 2 The Fall of France

By the summer of 1940 (LESS THAN A YEAR) Hitler had conquered most of Western Europe Hitler was on the edge of conquering ALL Allied Powers –Allies = the group of countries that opposed the Axis Powers. Britain was the only Ally left to stand against the Axis Powers. Chapter 17, Section 2

German Aggression Between 1939 and 1941, Germany invaded and conquered much of Europe. Chapter 17, Section 2

The Battle of Britain Relentless Attack Before attempting to invade Great Britain, Germany wanted to establish superiority in the air. Used Germany’s famous “Luftwaffe” – air force and experienced pilots August 1940, Germany launched an air assault on Britain, called the Battle of Britain, which continued well into September. At first, Germany only attacked British military sites. However, it later began bombing London and other cities to decrease British morale. Largest sustained bombing in history (to that point) Courageous Defense Although greatly outnumbered, Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF) worked to shoot down German bombers. Despite massive losses, the British people kept their will to fight. By February 1940, British scientists cracked the German secret communication code. This enabled Britain to get a general idea of Hitler’s battle plans. Chapter 17, Section 2

Europe Goes to War—Assessment How did Britain and France react to Hitler’s invasion of Poland? (A) They declared war on Germany. (B) They continued their policy of appeasement. (C) They signed a nonagression pact with the Soviet Union. (D) They surrendered to Germany. Why was the Battle of Britain considered a victory for Great Britain? (A) It gave Britain control of Denmark and Norway. (B) It resulted in very little damage to London. (C) It failed to decrease British morale. (D) It helped the French Resistance reconquer France. Chapter 17, Section 2

Europe Goes to War—Assessment How did Britain and France react to Hitler’s invasion of Poland? (A) They declared war on Germany. (B) They continued their policy of appeasement. (C) They signed a nonagression pact with the Soviet Union. (D) They surrendered to Germany. Why was the Battle of Britain considered a victory for Great Britain? (A) It gave Britain control of Denmark and Norway. (B) It resulted in very little damage to London. (C) It failed to decrease British morale. (D) It helped the French Resistance reconquer France. Chapter 17, Section 2