1. Blitzkrieg: German word meaning ‘lightning war’. A rapidly moving attack featuring a combination of bombing from the air, followed by tanks and motorised infantry. Above: A Ju-87 Stuka Dive Bomber Right: A German Panzer (tank)

2. Use your text pg. 34 to copy and complete the following: The German Blitzkrieg was a tactic first used against _______ in September of 1939. The Germans managed to capture this country in just ____ weeks. After this there was a period of inaction as F______, B______ and G_______ prepared for war. This period is often referred to as the ________ war. Fighting began again in May of ______. Germany attacked ________, again using the ________ tactics to devastating effect. They attacked through the n_______ countries (not on either side) of Belgium and the Netherlands to avoid the M_______ Line, a French defensive system along its German b______. Germany won the battle in just six weeks.

3. Answers: The German Blitzkrieg was a tactic first used against Poland in September of 1939. The Germans managed to capture this country in just four weeks. After this there was a period of inaction as France, Britain and Germany prepared for war. This period is often referred to as the phoney war. Fighting began again in May of 1940. Germany attacked France, again using the Blitzkrieg tactics to devastating effect. They attacked through the neutral countries of Belgium and the Netherlands to avoid the Maginot Line, a French defensive system along its German border. Germany won the battle in just six weeks.