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Hitler Becomes Chancelor of Germany
linkRather than being swept into power on a wave of public support, or snatching control of the government with a bold and decisive move, Hitler instead became chancellor through a shadowy backroom deal. And there was little to suggest that Hitler’s political fate would be much different to the 14 men who preceded him as chancellor. But within two months the Nazi leader had killed off Weimar democracy, and set Germany on the road to authoritarian dictatorship. -
Germany Invades Austria
linkHitler went ahead with his plans to unify all German-speaking people. He annexed Austria then demanded the liberation of German people in the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia. Neville Chamberlain flew to Germany to attempt a settlement before war broke out. Austria was invaded by the Third Reich. There had been several years of pressure from supporters in both Austria and Germany (both Nazis and non-Nazis). -
The Invasion of Poland
linkAlthough this was the official start of the Blitzkrieg, infantry and artillery were relied upon more than aerial assault together with armored assault.Hitler signs the order for an assault on Poland. After the Germans stage a phony raid on a Gleiwitz radio station, they blame the Polish for the "unprovoked attack." Without declaring war, Germany invades Poland. The coordinated air-and-land attack is conducted with such brutal efficiency that "blitzkrieg" becomes a feared offensive tactic. -
Invasion of Belguim and Holland
linkPanzers of group A charge out the forests of Ardennes. While army Group B using air forces charge into Belgium and Holland. Army captures a key road bridge. Through it the German army pours through. -
Pressure on France
linkThe French Army is easily defeated by another Panzer division due to their poor deployment. In the south Army C of the Germans is trying to get through the Maginot Line. -
Holland surrenders
linkHolland surrendered just six days later as their military had been unable to cope with the speed of blitzkrieg. Fear of it happaning again was high.Rotterdam had been severely damaged by bombing. -
Further Attacks in Belguim
linkGermany invaded Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Belgium under the operational plan Fall Gelb. The Allied armies attempted to halt the German Army in Belgium, believing it to be the main German thrust. After the French had fully committed the best of the Allied armies to Belgium between 10 and 12 May, the Germans enacted the second phase of their operation, a break-through, or sickle cut, through the Ardennes, and advanced toward the English. -
Defeat of British Tanks
linkThe Germans had fewer tanks than the Allies (2,500 against 3,500) at this point. The tanks were concentrated into armoured formations. The French had some equivalent formations that were of good quality, but they were dispersed rather than concentrated in the German fashion. video: http://goo.gl/gK9wjs -
Belgium Surrenders
linkBelgium surrenders. The French and British rush in to cover the Dunkirk perimeter. -
Germans Reach Paris
linkGermans reach Paris and June 22th General Huntziger (French army general) signs an armistice with Germany. -
France Signs Armistice with Germany
linkThe French, Marshall Petain, signed anarmistice with Germany taking France, which had been devastated, out of the war and into German occupation. -
Luftwaffe Bombers
linkHitler sent his Luftwaffe bombers to attack British ports. His aim was also to assess the speed and quality of response by the RAF.Nazi Germany developed some of the most innovative aircraft, and the Luftwaffe pilots "experten." -
Attacks on shipping
linkDuring August the attacks on shipping continued but bombing raids were concentrated on RAF airfields. video: http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/blitzkrieg/videos/deconstructing-history-uboats?m=528e394da93ae&s=undefined&f=1&free=false -
The Blitz
linkFrom September 7th the city of London was heavily bombed. Hitler hoped to destroy the morale of the British people.A German term for “lightning war,” blitzkrieg is a military tactic designed to create disorganization among enemy forces through the use of mobile forces and locally concentrated firepower. Its successful execution results in short military campaigns, which preserves human lives and limits the expenditure of artillery. -
Night Bombing
linkWith the failure of daylight bombing raids Hitler began a series of nightly bombing raids on London and other important industrial cities. The RAF defended the skies and by October 31 the raids had ceased. video: http://goo.gl/4JRPqy
