World War II Begins – 1939-1945

• On September 1, 1939 Hitler made a bold move and attacks Poland
• He intends to reclaim lost territory as well as capture the western half of Poland
• On the same day the Russian army moved across the Eastern half of Poland and captured it, both Hitler and Joseph Stalin kept their deal to divide Poland in half and not attack each other
• The German army used their Blitzkrieg tactics to conquer Poland
• Blitzkrieg means “lightning war”, using lots if speed and firepower. The German army, along with tanks, trucks and aircraft surprised the Polish Army by attacking so quickly and decisively
• Hitler would concentrate his military forces on certain key targets such as:
1. radar towers
2. radio stations
3. airports
4. bridges
5. major roadways
6. rail stations
7. airfields
8. ports

• by taking over these important centers the Polish people would be confused and terrorized with no where to turn
• Poland would be crushed quickly between two armies, the Germans and the Russians
• The capital city Warsaw will fall after one month of resistance
• The British and French governments warm Hitler to pull out of Poland immediately but Hitler refused
• By the second week of September, 1939, Britain, France, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries will declare war on Germany
• Hitler had gone too far, his greed for power will lend his country to ruin. However, German people have faith in his leadership and hope they will win the war