WWII Begins... Germany invaded Poland on Sept. 1, 1939 Britain and France declared war on Sept. 3, 1939 Canada declared war on Germany on Sept. 10, 1939 What followed is known as “The Phony War”

WWII What is “The Phony War”? It’s the time period between October 1939- April 1940 because no fighting took place Winston Churchill referred to the same period as the ‘Twilight War’ while the Germans referred to it as ‘Sitzkrieg’ – 'sitting war'.

WWII Blitzkrieg means lightening war It was an attack with force from tanks, infantry, artillery and air power. The attacks were overwhelming The key to Blitzkrieg is keeping the attacks constant, making it difficult for the enemy to respond effectively.

BLITZKRIEG

WWII- Blitzkrieg Blitzkrieg operations were very effective during 1939 - 1941. Blitzkrieg operations were dependent on: 1) surprise penetrations 2) the unpreparedness of enemy (they were not ready and could not react quick enough) Q: Would Blitzkrieg have occurred or been successful in WWI? Why or Why not?

BLITZKRIEG The main reason why Blitzkrieg was so successful is that

WWII Miracle at Dunkirk What: The evacuation of Allied soldiers from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk, France. When: Between May 26 and the early hours of June 3, 1940 Why:British, French and Belgian troops were cut off by the German army during the Battle of Dunkirk. Winston Churchill called the events in France "a colossal military disaster", saying that "the whole root and core and brain of the British Army" had been stranded at Dunkirk and seemed about to perish or be captured. He went on to say their rescue was a "miracle of deliverance”.

WWII - Dunkirk By the 9th day- 338,226 soldiers (198,229 British and 139,997 French) were rescued by 850 boats including British destroyers, merchant marine boats, fishing boats & pleasure craft, even a 15 ft (4.6 m) fishing boat Tamzine whose civilian crews were called into service for the emergency. The "miracle of the little ships" remains a prominent folk memory in Britain

Dunkirk - WWII

WWII Video: “20th Century Days That Shook the World” 1939 Hitler invades Poland 1940 Miracle at Dunkirk Reflect :In a paragraph answer one of the following: Why was the Blitzkrieg so effective? OR What’s the significance of Dunkirk, France? (REMEMBER- FULL SENTENCES ONLY> introduce your idea in an opening statement and follow it with evidence and points to back up what you are stating.)