WW2 Begins! Poland, Phoney War and the Invasion of France

The Polish Campaign Germany invades Poland 1 September By the 6 th of October, Germany and Soviet Union had taken over all of Poland. Although Poland had a small airforce and some modern equipment, they went down quickly before the attack of the larger, more modern German and Soviet forces.

The German Air Force was able to inflict huge damage on towns and military targets because Polish military had much fewer planes: Air Superiority.

The Germans were able to use motorized troop transports to move quickly across Poland. Parts of the Polish Army relied on horse power for transport.

Soviet tanks enter Poland. Soviets claimed they had been asked to come into Poland by “elected” Soviet councils after German begun their invasion.

Phoney War The Phoney War was a phase early in World War II that was marked by a lack of major military operations. Though the European powers had declared war neither side had launched an attack. This was despite the terms of the Anglo-Polish military alliance and the Franco-Polish military alliance, which obliged the United Kingdom and France to assist Poland.

Maginot Line A line of strong defenses that France had built to defend against German aggression. France was content to wait behind this line, rather then try to attack the German’s fortified positions.

Small Successes for the Soviets/Germany Soviets invade Finland November 1940 In April 1940, Germany invaded Denmark and Norway Denmark immediately capitulated, despite Allied support, Norway was conquered within two months. discontent over the Norwegian campaign led to the replacement of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain by Winston Churchill on 10 May 1940

BLITZKREIG!!! Same day that Neville Chamberlain steps down, Germany invades!!!!! invaded France, invaded Belgium, invaded the Netherlands, and invaded Luxembourg on 10 May 1940

The Netherlands and Belgium were overrun using blitzkrieg tactics in a few days and weeks, respectively.

BLITZKREIG German for Lightning War. Used massed, mechanized force (Tanks, Airplanes, etc.) which moved quickly to plunge through enemy lines and keep moving, deep into unprotected enemy territory.

The French fortified Maginot Line was circumvented through the thickly wooded Ardennes region mistakenly perceived by French planners as an impenetrable natural barrier against armored vehicles.

British troops were forced to evacuate the continent at Dunkirk, abandoning their heavy equipment by the end of the month. Was disorganized and relied on civilian ships to aid in getting troops back across the English Channel In the end, Allied soldiers were evacuated (thousands more than anticipated)

France Surrenders June 22, 1940 Britain and Commonwealth now stood alone against Germany

Germany began an air superiority campaign over Britain (the Battle of Britain) to prepare for an invasion.

Bombers inflicted damage to towns and particularly cities like London, while German fighter planes took down many British planes.

Battle of Britain Because of radar, and Germany’s decision to concentrate on attacking London rather then air force bases, Britain was able to maintain a continued resistance to German attacks.

Winston Churchill The gratitude of every home in our Island, in our Empire, and indeed throughout the world…goes out to the British airmen who, undaunted by odds, unwearied in their constant challenge and mortal danger, are turning the tide of the world war by their prowess and by their devotion. Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.