World War II Overview

The Start of World War II

• The 1939 invasion of Poland by Germany marked the start of World War II
• Germany’s attack was a surprise to Poland, a “lightning war” that proved irresistible to Poland’s relatively small and poorly-equipped defense.
• The Soviet Union invaded Poland on September 17, 1939.
• By September 29, Germany and Russia had partitioned Poland, with Russia taking about half of its territory and population.
• In 1939, Poland was split between Germany and the Soviet Union.
• Germany took the industrialized regions of Poland and annexed them to the Nazi Empire.
• Russia incorporated its share into Ukraine and Belarus.
• The Polish government fled to Romania, becoming a government-in-exile.
• Remaining Polish forces escaped to Western Europe.

The War Spreads

• The Soviet Union threatened the Baltic states, demanding naval and air bases and granting them access for the Russian army
• Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania eventually relented under Soviet pressure and lost independence
• After Finland refused to cede territory to the Soviet Union, Russia started the Winter War, invading Finland in November 1939.
• Finland received material aid from Sweden and Norway and moral support from the West
• The Soviets broke through Finland's defenses in January 1940, taking over large parts of the country.
• Though Finland fought bravely, it was forced to cede territory to Russia in March 1940.
• The Winter War solidified the Soviet Union’s position in the north.

The “Phony War”

• The Western Allies (France and Great Britain) were shocked by the quickness and brutality of the Blitzkrieg in Poland.
• France was not prepared for war with Germany and relied on the Maginot Line for protection.
• Germany had a stronger military, but the Allies had greater economic resources.
• The Allies hoped that their economic superiority and a naval blockade of Germany would weaken it.
• In early 1940, the West saw little fighting but preparations were underway for an offensive by the Germans in the spring.
• Britain and France did take steps to strengthen their defenses and purchased arms from the United States
• Germany launched submarine warfare as early as October, but was more effective than in World War I.
• The Allies launched the "Cash and Carry" program with the United States, which allowed for the purchase of arms without US involvement in the war.

German Invasion of Norway

• In April 1940, Germany invaded Denmark and Norway.
• Denmark surrendered quickly, but Norway put up a fight, but it was unsuccessful.
• The Norwegian government fled to England, becoming a government-in-exile.
• Germany’s victory in Norway gave it strategic bases and threatened Allied shipping in the Atlantic.

Churchill’s Rise as Prime Minister

• Winston Churchill replaced Neville Chamberlain as Prime Minister of England on May 10, 1940.
• Churchill was a vocal critic of pre-war appeasement of Germany.
• Churchill was a strong war leader who inspired the British people.
• Germany’s attack on France on May 10, 1940, marked the start of a massive offensive.

Explore the critical events that marked the beginning of World War II, including Germany's invasion of Poland and the subsequent Soviet actions. This quiz covers the partition of Poland and the geopolitical tensions that arose in 1939. Test your knowledge on these significant historical moments and their impact on the war's progression.