Start of World war 2

Question 1

Blitzkrieg

Answer 1

Also known as “the lightning war”, Blitzkrieg was a new style of Warfareused by the Germans, involving attacks with tank formations of 500 or more panzer and air bombers (luftwaffe). This mobile force would puncture through enemy lines and encircle the enemy units.

Question 2

Battle of Britain (July-September 1940)

Answer 2

“operation sea lion” was the codename for the invasion of Britain. The role of the german air force-Luftwaffe-was to destroy the RAF. This marked Canada’s first moment of war because the RCAF engaged in enemy fire on August 26th, 1940. Many canadians fought in spitfires and hurricanes and destroyed many luftwaffes.

Question 3

The blitz (September 1940-May 1941)

Answer 3

This war atrocity was a continuous bombing carried out by the Luftwaffe on Britain. It began on September 7th when Hitler bombed London for 57 straight nights. Overall, the bombing lasted 9 months. Germany wanted to destroy Britain’s confidence. The worst night of the Blitz was on November 14th, when 449 German bombers dropped 1400 bombs in one night.

Question 4

Miracle of Dunkirk

Answer 4

Thousands of British troops raced across the english Channel to defend France, but despite their efforts, Germans quickly advanced into France, leaving both British and French troops trapped at the port of Dunkirk. Between May 27th-June 4th, over 300000 soldiers were evacuated to England from Dunkirk with 900 ships. Only 10000 was expected to have survived. Despite this “miracle”, it was a terrible defeat as much of the British war equipment had to be abandoned and France fell in 6 weeks.

Question 5

Invasion of Poland

Answer 5

German units used more than 2000 tanks and over 1000 planes to break through Polish defences along the border and surround Warsaw in a massive encirclement attack. Poland surrendered in less than 4 weeks.