Download Start of World War 2 answers

Start of World War 2
Textbook pages 115-119. World War 2 for Dummies Chapter 5
The Invasion of Poland
1. 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 opponent
4. 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 Britain
12. 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.