Phoney War & Dunkirk Flashcards

1
Q

September 1939?

A

Britain + France declared war on Germany because they invaded Poland and don’t follow an ultimatum.

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2
Q

Phoney War?

A

From September 1939 and April 1940 Britain + France mobilise their armies in France but there is little military action between the Allies and Germany.

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3
Q

Sitzkreig meaning?

A

The Sitting War.

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4
Q

Why does not much happen? 4

A
  • bad weather
  • Germany busy consolidating gains in Poland
  • allied defensive strategy = not ready to fight a full scale war
  • Hitler offers peace = they weren’t ready either
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5
Q

Blitzkreig? 4

A
  • a new German tactic
  • “Lightning War”
  • aeroplanes, tanks, soliders
  • Poland is conquered in just 2 months
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6
Q

Norwegian Campaign? 6

A
  • Germany ends phoney war
  • Norway invaded in April 1940
  • Germany want to threaten British shipping
  • Germany want access to Scandinavian iron ore
  • Britain go to defend Norway
  • Norway conquered by June
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7
Q

Consequences of Norwegian Campaign? 6

A

• Germany gain access to iron ore
• Norway becomes German naval base
• humiliating defeat for the British
• Neville Chamberlain resigns
BUT
• WC comes to power = best wartime leaders in British history
• German naval losses makes an invasion of Britain difficult

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8
Q

Operation Yellow? 5

A
  • Germany invades France and Belgium in May 1940
  • Germany uses blitzkreig tactics
  • British and French troops retreat in panic
  • after 19 days forces are evacuated from Dunkirk
  • humiliating defeat for the British and the French
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9
Q

Dunkirk? 4

A
  • only French port not in German hands
  • operation Dynamo
  • British government call on owners of small ships to help
  • after 6 days, 344,000 British and allied forces are evacuated successfully
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10
Q

Consequences of Dunkirk? 4

A
• evacuation = victory
• "Dunkirk Spirit"
• inspired the British to keep on fighting 
BUT
• Britain are on the back foot
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