Start of World War II

Definition

The start of World War II refers to the period marked by the invasion of Poland by Germany on September 1, 1939, which led Britain and France to declare war on Germany. This event is widely recognized as the official beginning of the conflict that would engulf much of the world and drastically alter the course of history. The invasion was a culmination of aggressive expansionist policies adopted by totalitarian regimes in Europe, setting off a chain reaction of military actions and alliances.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The invasion of Poland was initiated on September 1, 1939, marking the formal start of World War II in Europe.
2. The swift German victory in Poland was facilitated by the use of Blitzkrieg tactics, leading to the fall of Warsaw within weeks.
3. The United Kingdom and France declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939, in response to the invasion, thus committing to combat against Axis aggression.
4. The non-aggression pact between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union (the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact) signed in August 1939 allowed Germany to invade Poland without fear of Soviet intervention.
5. The start of World War II significantly altered global political dynamics and led to widespread military engagements across Europe, Asia, and eventually involving multiple nations worldwide.

Review Questions

• How did the events leading up to the start of World War II reflect the failures of appeasement policies adopted by European powers?
  • The events leading up to the start of World War II illustrate significant failures in appeasement policies, particularly highlighted by the Munich Agreement. Britain and France's decision to allow Hitler's annexation of Czechoslovakia in hopes of avoiding conflict only emboldened him to further aggressive actions, culminating in the invasion of Poland. This miscalculation showed how appeasement not only failed to maintain peace but also facilitated the very war they sought to prevent.
• Discuss the strategic importance of the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact in relation to the start of World War II.
  • The Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact was crucial for both Germany and the Soviet Union at the start of World War II. By agreeing not to attack each other, Hitler secured his eastern flank while he invaded Poland without fear of Soviet intervention. This pact allowed for a swift German victory in Poland, as it removed potential complications from a Soviet counterattack. The agreement also included secret protocols that divided Eastern Europe between the two powers, further setting the stage for war.
• Evaluate how the start of World War II impacted international relations and shaped future conflicts throughout the 20th century.
  • The start of World War II dramatically reshaped international relations and laid the groundwork for future conflicts throughout the 20th century. It highlighted the failure of collective security systems like the League of Nations and led to increased polarization between democratic and totalitarian regimes. The global scale of the war and its aftermath resulted in significant geopolitical shifts, including the establishment of the United Nations, the Cold War divisions between East and West, and ongoing regional conflicts rooted in territorial disputes that emerged from wartime borders. Understanding these dynamics is essential for grasping how they continue to influence contemporary global politics.

Related terms

Munich Agreement: A settlement reached in September 1938 that permitted Nazi Germany's annexation of portions of Czechoslovakia, a significant act of appeasement by Britain and France.

Blitzkrieg: A military tactic employed by Nazi Germany, characterized by swift, coordinated attacks combining air power and ground forces to quickly overwhelm opponents.

Axis Powers: A military alliance primarily composed of Germany, Italy, and Japan that opposed the Allies during World War II.