WWII: From Poland to Pearl Harbor

1939-1941

September 1, 1939: Germany Invades Poland

• Using the “blitzkrieg” or lightning war, Germany seizes Poland in only 2 days.• Heavy use of Panzer tanks• Tons of heavy infantry• Tons of air support

The blitz is on!

September 3, 1939: Britain and France Declare War• After promising Poland support if

Hitler’s troops advanced, Great Britain and France finally ended their policy of appeasement in regards to Germany’s expansion.

May-June 1940: France, Belgium, and the Netherlands

• Germany had fewer troops, tanks and stuff, but they were able to take France and “the Low Countries” rather quickly.

• About 2 months• Skillful planning• Concentrated firepower• Good air support

The lowlands

• Germans set up a “puppet” government in the southern town of Vichy.

• 300,000 French, British, and Dutch soldiers evacuated to Britain.

• France falls

July 10, 1940: The Battle of Britain• After taking France with relative

ease, Hitler hoped Britain would surrender.

• Under the leadership of Winston Churchill, Britain refused to surrender.

• Hitler launches “Operation Sea Lion”

Battle of britain

December 7, 1941: “A Date That Will Live in Infamy”• Japan launches a surprise attack

on the US naval bases at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

• 19 ships destroyed.• 2403 sailors were killed.• United States enters the war