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Blitzkrieg

On September 1, 1939, Nazi Germany invaded neighboring Poland. France and Britain declared war two days later. Well-equipped German forces then pushed into Scandinavia and the Netherlands, crushing all opposition. Within a year, a seemingly invincible German army had conquered vast tracts of Europe.
G
ermany's assault on Poland began with the airforce (Luftwaffe) blanket-bombing roads, railroads, towns, and villages, sending terrified local populations fleeing ahead of the German advance. The chaos of refugees on the roads disrupted Polish counterattacks, and the German land invasion swept across the country at astonishing speed. This was blitzkrieg. The response of the British and French (the Allies) to German progress was hesitant. In the next two weeks, they did little more than survey the situation, while the German armed forces, or Wehrmacht, Soon had the Polish capital, Warsaw,
surrounded. Poland capitulated when the Soviet Union, which had made a
pact of nonaggression with Hitler. invaded from the east. There then followed several months of little military action, known as the "Phony War," in which the Allies built up weapon stocks and dropped leaflets to persuade the German people of the evils of their Nazi leaders.
On April 9, 1940, Hitler invaded Denmark and Norway in a preemptive strike against the British, who had threatened to occupy Scandinavia. The Phony War was over. On May 10. Hitler pushed westward toward France, conquering the Netherlands.
Belgium, and Luxembourg in just two days, to arrive at the French border. Both British and French commanders believed that the Wehrmacht would be held at the Maginot Line, fortifications
BLITZKRIEG The tactic used by the German army to invade Poland. Meaning "lightning war," it involved swift, intense attacks that aimed to destroy the enemy quickly. It often included bombing raids.
constructed along the German border. and by the Belgian forests of the Ardennes, which they considered impassable for tanks. However, the Nazis swiftly broke through and As you read, record your notes in the space below. Your notes should focus on key ideas and defining terms you do not know.

1 answer

Key Ideas and Definitions

  • Blitzkrieg: A German term meaning "lightning war." It refers to a military strategy involving swift, intense attacks designed to quickly overwhelm and disable the enemy. This tactic often included coordinated air assaults (like the Luftwaffe bombing) alongside rapid land advances.

  • Invasion of Poland: On September 1, 1939, Nazi Germany invaded Poland, marking the beginning of World War II in Europe. The invasion initiated a series of military campaigns led by the Germans, characterized by the blitzkrieg strategy.

  • Luftwaffe: The German air force responsible for executing bombing raids during the blitzkrieg, targeting infrastructure such as roads, railroads, and civilian areas to create chaos and hinder Polish defense efforts.

  • Wehrmacht: The unified armed forces of Nazi Germany, comprising the army, navy, and air force, which executed the campaigns across Europe.

  • Pact of Non-Aggression: A treaty between Germany and the Soviet Union that allowed the Soviet Union to invade Poland from the east after Germany's initial strike, ultimately leading to Poland's capitulation.

  • Phony War: A period following the fall of Poland where there was little military action (from late 1939 until April 1940). During this time, the Allies built up their military readiness, and some propaganda efforts were made directed at the German populace.

  • Invasion of Denmark and Norway: On April 9, 1940, Hitler launched a preemptive strike against Denmark and Norway to prevent British occupation of Scandinavia. This marked the end of the Phony War.

  • Maginot Line: A line of fortifications built by France along its eastern border to defend against German invasion. Allied commanders believed it would be effective in holding back the Wehrmacht during their advance towards France.

  • Fall of the Netherlands and Belgium: On May 10, 1940, Germany invaded and conquered the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg in just two days, demonstrating the effectiveness of the blitzkrieg strategy.

Summary of Key Points

  • Blitzkrieg involved rapid movements and intense military actions to incapacitate the enemy quickly.
  • The invasion of Poland marked the beginning of World War II, with Germany employing the blitzkrieg strategy effectively.
  • The Luftwaffe played a crucial role in disrupting communications and defenses.
  • The Phony War allowed both sides to prepare for the inevitable military engagement but was characterized by little action from the Allies.
  • Germany's swift conquest of Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, and Belgium showcased the advantages of their strategies and tactics against unprepared opponents.