Europe at WarWW I was slow moving because of trench warfare

WW II much different*Nazi invasion of Poland shocked Europe because of their speed and efficiency

Blitzkrieg“Lightning War”

-panzers (tanks) and the Luftwaffe used to stun enemy

Poland’s DefeatNazi’s defeat the Polish in a little over 4 weeks

-territory is split between Nazis and Soviets

WHY???

Hitler’s Next MoveDenmark and Norway fall quickly to blitzkrieg

The First Power FallsNazis invade the Netherlands, Belgium, and FRANCE

France is defeated in 6 weeks

The Maginot Line was France’s only defense

The Nazis went around the line and split the French and British armies

Trapped at DunkirkBritish and French troops were stuck between the Nazis and the English Channel

*the British Navy and private boats were able to save 338,000 troops from capture

Vichy FranceThe Nazis split France into two sections, one they control and the other is under

authoritarian dictatorship and is called Vichy

Britain in Trouble as U.S.A. Watches From Afar

President FDR refuses to get involved and is committed to isolationism

*actually forced to by Neutrality Acts and public opinion

FDR’s True FeelingsHe believes the Axis Powers (Germany, Italy,

and Japan) are more aggressive because they know the U.S. won’t get involved

Battle of BritainHitler wants to conduct an amphibious invasion

-land and sea (army + navy)

Luftwaffe begins bombing military bases, industries, and communications buildings

Hitler’s Huge MistakeWhile the Nazis targeted military buildings the

British were severely weakened….but when they started focusing on civilians and major cities it gave the British time to rebuild their military