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The Austrian Anschluss
In 1938 Hitler threatened to invade German-Speaking Austria unless austrian nazis were given important gov't post. Austria's chancellor gave into demands, later tried to put unification to a democratic vote. Hitler sent in troops on March 12th, 1938 and announced the Anschluss of Austria and Germany -
The Munich Crisis
Germany wants claims to Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia. Czech resisted Germany's demands. France threats to fight Germany of the attack Czech- Soviet union promised to aid. Reps of Britain, France, Italy & Germany agreed to meet in Munich to decide Czech's fate. Britain and France agreed to Hitler's demands. Policy became known as appeasement. Czech had no choice give up Sudetenland or fight Germany alone. Appeasement failed Germany sent troops into Czech. Divided the country- Slovakia became ind -
Hitler Demands Danzig
Soon after Munich Hitler demanded Danzig. Although 90% is German, its been part of Poland since WWI. Hitler also wanted a highway & railroad across Polish corridor. These plans convinced Britain&France war was inevitable. Britain announced that if Poland went to war to defend its land them and France would assist. May 12, 1939 Hitler rounded up his troops to get ready to invade Poland. -
The Nazi-Soviet Pact
German offcials proposed a nonaggression treaty to Soviets, Stalin agreed. If treaty worked Germany would go to war with Britain & France USSR would be safe. Treaty was signed August 23, 1939. The treaty contained a secret deal to divide Poland between Germany and the Soviet union. September 1, 1939 Germany invaded Poland, two days later Britain and France declared war on Germany. World War II had begun. -
The Invasion of Poland
The invasion of Poland was a joint invasion by Nazi Germany, Danzig, Soviet Union, and some of Slovakia. This was the start of WWII. German invaded Sep. 1st, Soviet Union invaded Sep. 17th. German forces invaded Poland from the north, south, and west, Polish forces withdrew from their forward bases of operation close to the Polish–German border to more established lines of defence to the east. -
The Fall of France
By May 1940, Europe had been at war for 9months. Britain&France had seen little real fighting. This tense period beame known as the Phoney War met an end when Germany launched an invasion on France. The German plan of attack, entailed an armoured offensive through the Ardennes Forest, which bypassed the strong French frontier. Germans quickly overwhelemed Dutch forces. bombing of the Rotterdam persuaded Netherlands to surrender . in just 4 days german troops broke through french lines -
Evacuation of Dunkirk
The Dunkirk evac of Allied soldiers from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk, France. The operation was decided upon when large numbers of Belgian, British, and French troops were cut off and surrounded by the German army during the Battle of France. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill called the events in France "a colossal military disaster", saying "the whole root and core and brain of the British Army" had been stranded at Dunkirk and seemed about to perish or be captured. -
Battle of Britain
The objective of the Nazi German forces was to increase pressure on Britain to agree to a negotiated peace settlement. An air and sea blockade began in July 1940. The Battle of Britain has an unusual distinction in that it gained its name prior to being fought. The name is derived from a famous speech delivered by Prime Minister Winston Churchill in the House of Commons on June 18.
