Start of WW2

Definition

The Start of World War II is marked by the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany on September 1, 1939, which prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany. This event set in motion a global conflict that would last until 1945, reshaping international relations and altering the course of history. The aggressive expansionist policies of totalitarian regimes and the failure of appeasement highlighted the tensions that had been brewing since the end of World War I.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The invasion of Poland marked the official beginning of World War II, leading to widespread conflict across Europe and beyond.
2. Britain and France's declarations of war against Germany were largely a response to their commitment to protect Polish sovereignty.
3. Prior to the invasion, Germany had already annexed Austria and demanded the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia, highlighting its aggressive expansionist policies.
4. The Nazi-Soviet Pact was crucial as it allowed Germany to invade Poland without fearing a Soviet attack from the east, effectively dividing Eastern Europe between the two powers.
5. World War II would eventually involve over 100 million people from more than 30 countries, making it one of the largest conflicts in history.

Review Questions

• How did the policies of appeasement lead to the Start of World War II?
  • The policies of appeasement, particularly exemplified by the Munich Agreement, allowed Adolf Hitler to expand German territory without facing immediate consequences. This emboldened Hitler and encouraged further aggression, culminating in the invasion of Poland. The failure of Britain and France to confront these actions early on ultimately contributed to the outbreak of war as their attempts to maintain peace proved ineffective.
• Discuss the impact of the Nazi-Soviet Pact on the geopolitical landscape in Europe prior to WWII.
  • The Nazi-Soviet Pact significantly altered the geopolitical landscape in Europe by allowing Germany to invade Poland without fearing retaliation from the Soviet Union. This agreement not only facilitated the swift German invasion but also led to the division of Eastern Europe between Nazi Germany and Stalin's USSR. It shifted alliances and created a sense of uncertainty among other nations regarding their security, paving the way for widespread conflict.
• Evaluate how the Start of World War II changed international relations and military strategies in subsequent years.
  • The Start of World War II marked a dramatic shift in international relations as traditional alliances were formed or broken based on wartime necessities. Military strategies evolved significantly; for instance, Blitzkrieg tactics emphasized speed and coordination, influencing future warfare. The global scale of the conflict required unprecedented cooperation among nations, leading to new organizations like the United Nations post-war. The lessons learned during this period shaped future diplomatic interactions and military doctrines in a world grappling with the consequences of total war.

Related terms

Munich Agreement: A settlement reached in September 1938 that allowed Nazi Germany to annex parts of Czechoslovakia, demonstrating the policy of appeasement practiced by Britain and France.

Blitzkrieg: A military tactic used by Nazi Germany that emphasized rapid and coordinated attacks involving air and ground forces to quickly overwhelm enemies.

Nazi-Soviet Pact: A non-aggression treaty signed between Germany and the Soviet Union in August 1939, which included a secret protocol dividing Eastern Europe into spheres of influence.