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