Introduction to World War II

A military strategy used by Germany during World War II, characterized by rapid movement of troops, air power, artillery, and tanks to overwhelm enemy defenses.

The period between September 1939 and March 1940 during World War II, marked by a stalemate between the Allied forces (Britain and France) and Germany, with minimal active fighting on the Western Front.

A series of fortifications built by France along its eastern border with Germany in the 1930s to deter invasion, but ultimately bypassed by the German Blitzkrieg.

The invasion of Poland by Germany on September 1, 1939, marked the beginning of World War II. This invasion utilized the Blitzkrieg strategy, involving air power, artillery, armor, and infantry.

A five-week period in 1939 where Germany invaded Poland, marked by the use of Blitzkrieg tactics and the bombing of Polish cities. This invasion ultimately led to the declaration of war by Britain and France against Germany.

The period from 1940 to late 1942 during World War II, where Germany occupied northern France after the fall of the country. This occupation caused hardship for the French, with some collaborating with the Nazis and others engaging in resistance.

The surrender of France to Germany on June 22, 1940, marked the end of the Battle of France. This defeat significantly impacted the course of World War II, as it allowed Germany to focus its resources on other fronts.

The neutral position of Belgium and the Netherlands at the outset of World War II, which was eventually broken when Germany invaded both countries. These invasions further expanded German control and resources during the conflict.

The military operation launched by Germany on June 22, 1941, to invade the Soviet Union, aiming to secure resources and expand German territory.

The period of intense aerial bombing campaigns by the German Luftwaffe against Britain from July 1940 to October 1940, targeting RAF airbases and major English cities.

The coordinated attack launched by Germany on May 10, 1940, that forced the Netherlands, Belgium, and France to surrender within weeks.

An agreement signed on September 27, 1940, by Germany, Italy, and Japan, forming a military alliance. Other countries later joined.

The period of intense German air raids on London and other English cities, starting in early September 1940 and lasting until October 1940.

The strategic advantage one side gains over another in air warfare, enabling them to dominate the skies.

The military alliance formed by Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II, opposing the Allied powers.

The leader of Italy during World War II who declared war on Britain and France in June 1940, aiming to expand Italian territory.

Allied forces landed in Sicily in July 1943, capturing it within a month, marking a significant step towards the Allied victory in Europe.

Allied forces landed in Normandy, France, facing fierce German resistance on June 6, 1944, marking the beginning of the liberation of France.

The Allied leaders met in late 1943 to plan further military actions against Germany. It was decided here that the US and Britain would launch a second front in Western Europe.

The Red Army advanced into Eastern Europe after re-capturing Soviet territory in mid-1944, leading to the fall of Berlin in April 1945, ultimately leading to Germany's surrender on May 7, 1945.

Following the Potsdam Conference in July 1945, Germany was divided into four zones controlled by Britain, France, the U.S., and the Soviet Union. Berlin, located in the Soviet zone, was also divided among these four powers.

Stalin's initial reaction to the German invasion was shock and isolation. He took three days to regain composure before taking forceful action against the invaders.

To counter the German advance, the Soviet Union employed the scorched earth policy during their retreat. This involved destroying resources like homes, factories, crops, infrastructure, and evacuating valuable assets to prevent them from falling into enemy hands.

The extremely harsh winter of 1941-1942 posed immense challenges for German troops. Temperatures plunged below -40 degrees Celsius, causing equipment malfunctions, frostbite, and starvation amongst the German soldiers.

The Battle of Stalingrad (August 1942-February 1943) was one of the most brutal battles of World War II, marking a turning point in the war. The Red Army encircled and defeated the German troops, shifting the war's momentum in favor of the Soviets.

Italy's invasion of Greece in 1940 faced strong resistance from the Greek military and people. The stubborn defense ultimately led to German intervention in April 1941, leading to the Axis occupation of Greece by May 1941.

Italy's attempt to expand its empire into Egypt in September 1940 was met with strong British resistance, initially pushing Italian forces back into Libya. However, the arrival of German General Erwin Rommel changed the tide, leading to a series of back-and-forth battles. The campaign ended with Rommel's defeat at the Second Battle of El Alamein in late 1942.

The United States entered World War II in 1941 after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7. Germany subsequently declared war on the U.S. on December 11, drawing America into the European conflict. The U.S. prioritized defeating Germany first, while also addressing the Japanese threat.

The scorched earth policy was a tactic used by retreating armies to deny their opponents access to valuable resources or to delay their advance. This could involve burning fields, destroying infrastructure, and evacuating populations. This strategy was employed by both the Soviets in World War II and the French during the Hundred Years' War.