2. WWII: From Poland to Pearl Harbor 1939-1941

3. September 1, 1939: Germany Invades Poland Using the “blitzkrieg” or lightning war, Germany seizes Poland in only 2 days. Heavy use of Panzer tanks Tons of heavy infantry Tons of air support

4. The blitz is on!

5. September 3, 1939: Britain and France Declare War After promising Poland support if Hitler’s troops advanced, Great Britain and France finally ended their policy of appeasement in regards to Germany’s expansion.

6. May-June 1940: France, Belgium, and the Netherlands Germany had fewer troops, tanks and stuff, but they were able to take France and “the Low Countries” rather quickly. About 2 months Skillful planning Concentrated firepower Good air support

7. The lowlands

9. Germans set up a “puppet” government in the southern town of Vichy. 300,000 French, British, and Dutch soldiers evacuated to Britain. France falls

10. July 10, 1940: The Battle of Britain After taking France with relative ease, Hitler hoped Britain would surrender. Under the leadership of Winston Churchill, Britain refused to surrender. Hitler launches “Operation Sea Lion”

11. Battle of britain

12. December 7, 1941: “A Date That Will Live in Infamy” Japan launches a surprise attack on the US naval bases at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. 19 ships destroyed. 2403 sailors were killed. United States enters the war