Germany Invades Germany Invades PolandPoland

The Invasion of Poland - 1939The Invasion of Poland - 1939

The NAZIS invaded Poland on Sept. 1The NAZIS invaded Poland on Sept. 1stst

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The Invasion of Poland - 1939The Invasion of Poland - 1939

The NAZIS used The NAZIS used blitzkriegblitzkrieg tactics tactics

Sept 1, 1939 – Polish cavalry surprise attacks Nazi infantry. Almost win, until Nazi tanks appear. POLISH ARMY: Used trench warfare,

cavalry, obsolete equipment, slaughtered by the Germans.

Quick PicsQuick Pics

Go to page 133 and 134 of Demarco Text Go to page 133 and 134 of Demarco Text and examine the photographs which show and examine the photographs which show the French way to use tanks and the the French way to use tanks and the German Strategy. German Strategy.

Key Differences Between WW1 and WW2Key Differences Between WW1 and WW2

A.A. Technology used in warfareTechnology used in warfare

B.B. Extent to which it was a truly global conflict. Extent to which it was a truly global conflict. (WW1 centered around Western Front.)(WW1 centered around Western Front.)

C.C. BlitzkriegBlitzkrieg

1. Tanks (Panzers) Heavy tank smash through front

2. Motorized Infantry and Wehrmacht pour in (ground troops)

3. Aerial Support: Stuka Dive Bombers (luftwaffe) Airforce attack – drop shock troops and paratroopers behind enemy lines.

SURPRISE

SPEED

WEIGHT OF ATTACK

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The ResultsThe Results

Germans: 63 divisions, six of them Germans: 63 divisions, six of them armoured (1 div = 20-30,000 soldiers)armoured (1 div = 20-30,000 soldiers)

Poland: 20 Divisions, 12 Cavalry (only one Poland: 20 Divisions, 12 Cavalry (only one mechanized, rest on horsesmechanized, rest on horses

USSR attacks from E. front, Sept 17USSR attacks from E. front, Sept 17thth

After one month, Nazis march into After one month, Nazis march into Warsaw. Warsaw.

USSR turns to Finland to improve its USSR turns to Finland to improve its border. “Winter War.” 1940, USSR wins. border. “Winter War.” 1940, USSR wins.

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The Invasion of Poland - 1939The Invasion of Poland - 1939

Britain immediately declared war on GermanyBritain immediately declared war on Germany

The Phony War : 1939-1940The Phony War : 1939-1940Everyone expected Germany to attack Western Everyone expected Germany to attack Western EuropeEurope

Bad weather and indecision prevented any Bad weather and indecision prevented any attacksattacks

Many Europeans believed that there would Many Europeans believed that there would be no warbe no warHistorians refer to this period as Historians refer to this period as “The “The Phony War”Phony War” even though war was a even though war was a reality in Czechoslovakia, Poland & reality in Czechoslovakia, Poland & Finland (French call it “La Drole de Finland (French call it “La Drole de Guerre”.)Guerre”.)

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Phoney War? Phoney War? March 1940: Br/Fr decide to tighten blockade of GermanyMarch 1940: Br/Fr decide to tighten blockade of Germany

April 8April 8thth – Hitler invades Denmark. – Hitler invades Denmark.

Plan to land Expeditionary force in Norway to seize port of Plan to land Expeditionary force in Norway to seize port of Narvik. (Swedish ore shipped to Germany from here) but Narvik. (Swedish ore shipped to Germany from here) but Grm invades Apr 9.Grm invades Apr 9.

Germany installs puppet government under Germany installs puppet government under Vidkum Vidkum Quisling. Quisling.

Effect: Humiliating defeat for Britain. Chamberlain forced to Effect: Humiliating defeat for Britain. Chamberlain forced to resign. Churchill – outspoken critic of appeasement takes resign. Churchill – outspoken critic of appeasement takes over. over.

Allies wait anxiously for what Hitler will do next. Allies wait anxiously for what Hitler will do next.

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Mussolini? Mussolini? Where are you?Where are you?Mussolini warned Mussolini warned Hitler in May 1939 that Hitler in May 1939 that he could not he could not undertake a war until undertake a war until 1943. 1943.

WeakerWeaker

Vulnerable to attack Vulnerable to attack from France/Britain from France/Britain and their navies. and their navies.

Fawlty Towers – “Don’t Mention the War”Fawlty Towers – “Don’t Mention the War”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfl6Lu3xQW0