Mr.Hadwen's Classes



Start of World War 2 Textbook pages 115-119. World War 2 for Dummies Chapter 5The Invasion of Poland1. What ‘excuse’ did the Germans use for justifying their invasion of Poland?German soldiers dressed up in Polish uniforms and attacked a German radio station along the border. At 4:45 the next morning, German troops began their invasion. (other flimsy incidents used to justify war as well)2. The Poles knew the Germans were planning to attack, but they still felt as if they would be alright. What was their goal and why?The Poles figured that they had a strong enough army to hold out against the Germans until early the next spring when the British and French troops would arrive to relieve them. Poland had 600,000 men and 2 mil in reserves.3. Define the term – Blitzkrieg. (and the translation). How was Germany’s invasion of Poland a blitzkrieg?Translates as ‘lightning war’. It involved a very quick and massive attack. Aircraft could knock out the enemies airbases and military instillations first, to be followed by a quick powerful thrust of tanks (armored columns) followed by soldiers on foot. Psychologically it was very demoralizing to the opponent4. Even though Britain and France had sworn to protect Poland, they were unable to come to her aid. What difficulties did they face in helping Poland?Both countries needed time to get their troops ready for war. Politicians didn’t have the will to take the war to the Germans. France is worried about attacks in the west beginning. Both Britain and France would have to find a way to get to Poland. Germany controlled the entrance to the Baltic Sea. (distance)5. Germany and the Soviet Union conquer and divide Poland. Describe the ways that the Germans and Soviets treated the Polish people that they conquered.Germans – Special Killing squads called “EINSATZGRUPPEN” began rounding up and killing Jews and noncombatants. Many Jews in Poland were rounded up and put into ‘ghettos’ Some were sent to concentration camps.Soviets – the NKVD (secret police) arrested and deported anyone that they considered against them. Many were sent to the gulags in Siberia. They also killed anyone that could be a potential leader of a resistance against them. Meanwhile, in the West…Britain was fighting against the Germans at sea. The British Expeditionary Force (BEF) were deployed to Belgium and France. The British didn’t want to initiate an air attack against Germany, preferring to save their planes incase Germany attacked it later. France remained confident behind its Maginot Line.6. Britain and France will declare war on Germany on September 3, 1939, but not much happened for the first six months of the war. Why was this initial phase of the war known as the “Phony War”?Nothing really happened over the winter of 1939/40. Technically, they were at war – but there was still talk of a negotiated settlement. Hitler positioned himself for the invasion of France and eventual war with Britain.7. Define the term Sitzkrieg.the sit-down war (pg 91)8. Following the invasion of Poland, what region did the Germans take over next? Why was this area important?In April 1940, the Germans overran Denmark and Norway. These areas were important to allow Hitler to secure German naval access and bases in the North Sea. (In World War One, the Germans had been choked out by the British controlling the seas)9. Describe 3 reasons why the Germans were so successful against the Allies as they invaded the west.- The Germans attacked through the Ardennes Forest. The Allies believed they would attack through Belgium similar to the Shlieffen Plan.- The Germans had more weapons and soldiers than any other force it faced. - Its Blitzkrieg tactics were something that the Allies were not prepared for. Many leaders felt that they were preparing for a repeat of a stagnant war on the western front, similar to World War One (pg91)10. Describe the evacuation of Dunkirk. Why was this an important event?German Panzer divisions broke through the French lines, essentially trapping many French and BEF soldiers between the coast and German divisions. The British used any type of ship possible to evacuate French and British troops from the coast to bigger boats. The whole time they were under aircraft fire and bombing fro the Germans. The RAF tried to slow down the German attacks. The British were able to evacuate 340,000 troops. They lost 200 aircraft, 6 destroyers and lots of heavy equipment and weapons….BUT they returned to fight another day and were not captured.11. Explain the partition of France after June 1940. How was each section administered?The north and central areas of France were conquered and forced to agree to German terms. They had to surrender in the same railway car that the Germans surrendered in to end WW1. The Germans will allow the southern 2/3rds part of France to have semi-independence (and its colonies). General Petain of France ruled by decree, essentially doing what the Nazis told him to do.The Battle of Britain12. Why was it so important that the Luftwaffe destroy the RAF before the German Army invade Britain?For the German land invasion (OPERATION SEALION) of Britain to succeed, the Germans had to take out the British air force and navy. German land forces could then move and take London and force the British to surrender.13. The Battle of Britain was a turning point in the war. Why do you think that it was so important?Britain stood alone against the Nazis at this point. They could have caved in, especially with all of the civilian deaths. It was able to survive and the will and determination of its leaders (Churchill and the Royal Family) and people was something Hitler was not ready for. Hitler was very close to destroying the RAF but when he switched his plans to bombing the cities, the RAF was able to survive and rebuild. It was important to the war because if Britain fell, the values of western democracy would be in danger with only the USA able to mount any resistance to Hitler. ................
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