Qs Flashcards
Describe the Event of Invasion of Poland?
On 1st September 1939, Germany invaded Poland without warning. This invasion lasted 17 days; Poland was defeated. Britain and France declared war on Germany soon after this event, It is often considered the start of WW2.
Give reasons for Poland’s Quick defeat in WW2
Nazi-Soviet Pack- A non-agression pact signed between Hitler and Stalin. They agreed not to attack each other, and also divide Poland between them. Hitler attacked from the West, Stalin from the East, and Poland was forced to surrender.
Terror Tactics: Germans bombed Polish cities in order to destroy citizen morale. CAUSED CONFUSION AND A LARGE NUMBER OF REFUGEES THAT HINDERED THE WAR EFFORT.
Military disparity: Germany had 3600 armoured vehicles, a sizeable number of mechanized troops, and twice as many airplanes as Poland while Poland only had 750 armoured vehicles and troops on horseback.
What was Invasion of France?
On 10th May, Hitler invaded Luxembourg, Holland, and the Belgium. They crossed the border into France. France moved its best forces and the BEF to Belgium’s border, where they expected the attack.
However, the Germans attacked through the Ardennes Forest, which was a weak point in the Maginot Line.
The German troops raced to the border, surrounding the Allies troops who were trapped in Dunkirk. The Dutch and Belgians surrendered, and the French government evacuated.
The French tried to fight back, but it was too late, the German’s entered Paris and signed an armistice on 22nd June.
Why did the Germans succeed in the Invasion of France?
-Manstein’s brilliant plan to attack through the Ardennes (Maginot Line bypassed through a weak point)
-French Morale collapsed as soon as Germans broke through.
“We have been defeated, we are defeated.”
-French lacked Radio Communication, resorting to telephone lines and even waving flags (extremely inefficient and could not coordinate attacks).
-Allied Intelligence ignored.
What was the Evacuation of Dunkirk?
The Evacuation of Allied Troops from Dunkirk in France on 26th May to 4th June 1940.
Why was the Evacuation of Dunkirk a success?
300,000 men rescued.
RAF outfought Luftwaffe in Dunkirk.
Dunkirk Spirit: civillians, government, and media came together to create a war effort that lasted till 1945.
High Morale
Why was Dunkirk Evacuation a failure?
40,000 men taken prisioner, 25,000 wounded/killed in France.
64,000 vehicles, 76,000 tons of ammunition and 2500 guns left behind and recycled by the Germans.
Military FAILURE: Driven out of Europe, France abandoned, no notable achievements.
Causes of GB success in Dunkirk Evacuation.
Hitler’s Halt Order (24th-26th May 1940) - “One of Hitler’s most Critical mistakes” Manstein - Gave three vital days for Royal Navy to arrange evacuation.
What was Battle of Britain?
In July 1940, Germany wanted to force Britain into forcing a peace settlement. Hitler knew that to invade Britain, he would need to knock out to RAF in order to ensure naval and air supremacy.
He attempted to attack the RAF, Fighter Command, and airfields and factories
He switched to bombing mainstream London cities, known as the Blitz.
He believed he could destroy British morale through these attacks. He was wrong.
During the Blitz, 43,00 people were killed and nearly 2 Million homes destroyed.
Germany shifted to strategic bombing, as this took less resources. The shift in strategy gave the RAF a chance to rebuild and allowed it to attack the Luftwaffe.
Hitler was forced to cancel Operation Sea Lion, and GB survived.
Why is Battle of Britain considered a turning point?
It was the first allied victory.
The aura of German invincibility was broken (US encouraged that Britain might win).
Hitler proceeds to turn his attention to the USSR, opening a second front that would result disastrous for the Nazis.
How did GB succeed in Battle of Britain?
GB destroyed 1660 planes and lost only 1116 planes.
Göring was incompetent: Luftwaffe had unclear objectives and poor intelligence.
Air Chief Marshall Sir Hugh Dowding pioneered air defence based on the fighters: using rader, ground controllers, and radio.
RAF was Brave -“Never has so much been owed by so many to so few” WC -
