WWII Begins Flashcards

Blitzkrieg and Military Strategy

• "Blitzkrieg" refers to a rapid invasion utilizing both air and land forces, characterized by devastating attacks that overwhelm opponents.
• A "blitz" differs from a "blitzkrieg" as it relies exclusively on air power, targeting civilians and attempting to cause widespread destruction.

Causes of War and Key Events

• The invasion of Poland by Germany in 1939 prompted Great Britain and France to declare war, marking the official start of WWII.
• Hitler's breach of a nonaggression pact with the Soviet Union led to the Soviet Union joining the Allies, as Stalin feared Hitler's increasing power in Eastern Europe.

Aggressive Actions by Germany

• Throughout the 1930s, Germany aggressively annexed Austria and Czechoslovakia, violating international agreements and provoking tensions in Europe.
• In 1940, Hitler shifted focus from annexation to outright military conquest, exemplified by his invasions of Belgium and the Netherlands.

Leadership and Alliances

• Winston Churchill's refusal to negotiate with Hitler and staunch speeches galvanized British resistance and influenced German military strategy.
• Before launching an invasion of Poland, Hitler secretly collaborated with the Soviet Union, showcasing the complexities of alliances during the war.

Key Players and Powers

• Japan was a significant member of the Axis powers, alongside Germany and Italy.
• The United States was the last country to join the Allied Powers, eventually playing a critical role in the war's outcome.

Policy Responses

• The policy of appeasement adopted by Great Britain and France involved allowing Germany to take aggressive actions in hopes of maintaining peace, which ultimately failed.
• Hitler's military strategy against Great Britain included plans for a massive bombing campaign to weaken defenses before a potential ground invasion.

Outcomes and Impact

• The success of Great Britain in the Battle of Britain and the Soviet defense against Germany demonstrated that Hitler’s army was not invincible, setting a precedent for resistance against Axis forces.