1. WORLD WAR II Phase One September 1939 – June 1940

2. Two Sides ITALYGERMANYJAPAN AXIS

3. ALLIES EnglandFrance Canada

4. World War Two Begins German invasion of Poland triggers France and England to declare war against Germany on SEPTEMBER 3, 1939. Canada declares war on SEPTEMBER 10.

5. Key Points: USSR and Germany sign a non-aggression pact, and agree to divide Poland between them. In Asia, Japan and China were at war. France relied on the “Maginot Line” to help in defence.

6. Key Invasions September 1, 1939 – Germany Invades Poland. April 9, 1940 – Germany Invades Denmark, moves up into Norway. May 10, 1940 – Germany invades Holland (Netherlands) and Belgium. May 12, 1940 – Germany Invades France (Went around Maginot Line). June 10, 1940 – Italy invades France.

7. The Blitzkrieg, or lightning war tactic, was used where German forces attacked in powerful units of tanks, aircraft and ground soldiers.

8. Canada’s Contribution to Phase I Merchant Marine transported military personnel and supplies to Europe (Many were sunk by German submarines) Canada’s air force trained Allied pilots. In May of 1940, after Germany had defeated Belgium, Holland and France, Canada moved from a limited role to a full commitment to the war.