The First Months of War - Invasion of Poland 1939 and a Phoney War

Below are a number of key events/terms that you can use to help strengthen your understanding of life at the start of the Second World War. Between this and the next number of notes on World War Two, you should be able to develop an even greater understanding on the implications of war on all of Europe and the USA, allowing you to bulletproof your essay planning.

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Who Were the Allied and Axis Powers?

• The Allied Powers and the Axis Powers were the two main opposing military alliances during World War II.
• The Allied Powers primarily consisted of the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, the United States, China, and France. These nations were united by their goal to defeat the aggressive expansionism of the Axis Powers and to establish a lasting peace. Other countries, such as Canada, Australia, India, and numerous European nations, also joined the Allies, contributing to the global effort against Axis aggression.
• The Axis Powers were led by Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Imperial Japan. These nations were driven by expansionist ambitions and a desire to overturn the post-World War I international order established by the Treaty of Versailles. Germany, under Adolf Hitler, aimed to dominate Europe and establish a "New Order" based on Nazi ideology. Italy, led by Benito Mussolini, sought to create a new Roman Empire in the Mediterranean and Africa. Japan, under Emperor Hirohito and militarist leaders, aimed to dominate East Asia and the Pacific.
• The alliances formed by these powers were driven by both ideological similarities and strategic interests. The Rome-Berlin Axis was formalized in 1936, and the Anti-Comintern Pact with Japan in the same year solidified the tripartite alliance against the spread of communism. The Axis Powers coordinated their military strategies and supported each other's territorial ambitions, which led to a series of aggressive actions that ultimately sparked World War II.
• In contrast, the Allied Powers sought to defend international law and order, promote democratic values, and prevent the domination of Europe and Asia by totalitarian regimes. The cooperation among the Allies was crucial in coordinating military efforts across multiple fronts, sharing resources, and strategizing for a global war effort that would eventually lead to the defeat of the Axis Powers and the end of World War II.

The German Invasion of Poland

• The German invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, marked the beginning of World War II. This invasion was a critical part of Hitler's strategy for territorial expansion and was executed with the use of Blitzkrieg tactics, which emphasized speed and surprise through coordinated attacks by air and ground forces. The invasion was facilitated by the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact signed in August 1939, which secretly divided Eastern Europe into German and Soviet spheres of influence.
• The invasion began with the Luftwaffe bombing Polish cities and infrastructure, crippling communication and transportation networks. German ground forces quickly advanced from the west, north, and south, overwhelming the Polish defenses. Despite determined resistance, the Polish military was ill-prepared to withstand the German assault. By mid-September, Warsaw was under siege, and on September 17, the Soviet Union invaded Poland from the east, as per the secret agreement with Germany.
• The Polish government fled to Romania on September 17, and Warsaw fell on September 27 after a brutal siege. By October 6, organized Polish resistance had effectively ceased, and Poland was divided between Germany and the Soviet Union. The swift and brutal conquest of Poland showcased the effectiveness of Blitzkrieg and set a precedent for future German military campaigns in Europe.
• The invasion of Poland had significant implications for international relations. It directly led to Britain and France declaring war on Germany on September 3, 1939, marking the beginning of World War II. The quick fall of Poland demonstrated the limitations of the League of Nations and the failure of appeasement policies that had aimed to prevent war. The division of Poland also highlighted the cynical nature of the Nazi-Soviet Pact and set the stage for the eventual conflict between Germany and the Soviet Union.

Declarations of War

• The German invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, led directly to the declarations of war by Britain and France on Germany. These declarations, made on September 3, 1939, marked the official beginning of World War II. Britain and France had previously guaranteed Poland's borders, and the invasion triggered their commitments to defend Polish sovereignty.
• British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain announced the declaration of war on Germany on September 3, 1939, after Germany ignored an ultimatum to withdraw its forces from Poland. Chamberlain's broadcast to the nation marked a somber moment, reflecting the reluctance to enter another devastating conflict. Similarly, France, led by Édouard Daladier, declared war on Germany on the same day, honoring its alliance with Poland.
• Despite these declarations, immediate military action by Britain and France was limited. This period, known as the "Phoney War" or "Sitzkrieg," was characterized by a lack of major ground operations on the Western Front. Both nations focused on mobilizing their forces and preparing for a protracted conflict, but there was little offensive action against Germany.
• The Soviet Union, while initially aligned with Germany through the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, did not face declarations of war from Britain and France after its invasion of Poland on September 17, 1939. This non-aggression stance was partly due to strategic considerations and the hope of eventually drawing the Soviet Union into an alliance against Germany.
• Italy, under Mussolini, initially remained neutral despite its alignment with Germany through the Pact of Steel (1939). Italy declared war on Britain and France on June 10, 1940, after Germany's rapid victories in Western Europe. The expansion of the war into a truly global conflict occurred with Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, leading to the United States declaring war on Japan and, shortly thereafter, on Germany and Italy.

World War II as a Phoney War

• The term "Phoney War" (or "Sitzkrieg") refers to the early phase of World War II, from September 1939 to April 1940, when there was little active combat on the Western Front.
• Following the declarations of war by Britain and France on Germany after the invasion of Poland, there was an expectation of immediate, large-scale military engagements. However, this did not materialize as anticipated.

• During the Phoney War, the British and French forces largely remained defensive behind the Maginot Line, a series of fortifications along the French-German border. Both countries were cautious, focusing on mobilization, fortification, and economic measures rather than launching offensive operations against Germany. This period of inactivity led to public frustration and uncertainty, as there was a significant contrast between the declarations of war and the lack of military action.
• Germany, meanwhile, consolidated its gains in Poland and prepared for future offensives. Hitler used this time to strengthen his military forces and plan the next phases of his Blitzkrieg strategy. The German high command conducted detailed preparations for the invasions of Denmark, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, and ultimately France.
• The Phoney War ended abruptly in April 1940 when Germany launched Operation Weserübung, the invasions of Denmark and Norway. This marked the beginning of a series of rapid and aggressive military campaigns that led to the fall of Western Europe. The swift success of these operations highlighted the limitations of the defensive posture adopted by Britain and France and underscored the effectiveness of German military tactics.
• In summary, the Phoney War was a period of strategic buildup and psychological tension rather than significant military engagements. It provided both sides time to prepare, but ultimately, it showcased the futility of passive defense against a highly mobile and aggressive opponent. The end of the Phoney War ushered in a new phase of intense and widespread combat, fundamentally changing the dynamics of World War II.

The Reaction of the German Invasion of Poland in the Media

• The German invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, elicited strong reactions in the global media, marking the beginning of World War II. The invasion was extensively covered by newspapers, radio broadcasts, and newsreels, shaping public opinion and international responses to the unfolding events.
  • In Britain and France, the media condemned the invasion as an unprovoked act of aggression. Newspapers like The Times and Le Monde reported on the brutal tactics employed by the German military, emphasizing the devastation wrought by Blitzkrieg attacks. The reports highlighted the suffering of the Polish people, the destruction of cities, and the plight of refugees. These accounts stirred public outrage and galvanized support for the declarations of war against Germany.

Evening Standard

• American media, while initially reflecting the country's isolationist stance, provided detailed coverage of the invasion. Leading newspapers such as The New York Times and The Washington Post reported on the rapid German advance and the heroic but futile Polish resistance. Radio broadcasts brought the horrors of the conflict into American homes, fostering a growing awareness and concern about the events in Europe. Although the United States remained neutral at the time, the invasion began to shift public opinion towards supporting the Allies.

The New York Times

• In Germany, the Nazi-controlled media portrayed the invasion as a necessary and justified action. Propaganda emphasized the need to protect ethnic Germans in Poland and depicted the Polish government as weak and corrupt. The German public was presented with a narrative of liberation and national unification, which was intended to bolster support for Hitler's expansionist policies.
• The Soviet media initially maintained a cautious stance, reflecting the recent signing of the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact. After the Soviet invasion of Poland on September 17, 1939, the state-controlled press justified the action as a move to protect Belarusians and Ukrainians in Eastern Poland. This narrative aligned with Stalin's broader strategic goals and sought to mitigate any domestic or international criticism.
• In summary, the global media response to the German invasion of Poland played a crucial role in shaping public perceptions and political reactions. In democratic countries, media coverage built support for the war against Germany, while in totalitarian regimes, propaganda was used to justify and legitimize aggressive actions. The invasion's portrayal in the media underscored the power of information in influencing the course of history during a period of unprecedented global conflict.

Cheat Sheet - Explaining Key Terms

Who Were the Allied and Axis Powers?

• Allied Powers: The coalition of nations, including the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, the United States, China, and France, who fought against the Axis Powers during World War II.
• Axis Powers: The alliance of Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Imperial Japan, driven by expansionist and totalitarian goals, which opposed the Allied Powers during World War II.
• United Kingdom: A leading member of the Allied Powers, committed to defeating Nazi Germany and its allies.
• Soviet Union: Initially signed a non-aggression pact with Germany but later joined the Allies after being invaded by Nazi forces in 1941.
• United States: Entered the war after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, becoming a major Allied Power.
• China: Fought against Japanese aggression in Asia and was a significant member of the Allied coalition.
• France: A primary member of the Allies, invaded by Germany in 1940 and later liberated with Allied help.
• Nazi Germany: Led by Adolf Hitler, pursued aggressive expansion across Europe, leading to World War II.
• Fascist Italy: Under Benito Mussolini, aimed to expand its empire in the Mediterranean and Africa, allied with Germany.
• Imperial Japan: Sought to dominate East Asia and the Pacific, leading to conflict with the Allies, especially the United States.
• Rome-Berlin Axis: A 1936 alliance between Germany and Italy, forming the core of the Axis Powers.
• Anti-Comintern Pact: A 1936 agreement between Germany and Japan, later joined by Italy, to oppose communism and the Soviet Union.

The German Invasion of Poland

• German invasion of Poland: Initiated on September 1, 1939, this aggressive act by Nazi Germany marked the start of World War II.
• Blitzkrieg: A military tactic involving rapid, coordinated attacks using air and ground forces to quickly overwhelm the enemy.
• Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact: A 1939 agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union, which included secret protocols for dividing Eastern Europe.
• Luftwaffe: The German air force, responsible for bombing Polish cities and infrastructure during the invasion.
• Warsaw: The capital of Poland, heavily bombarded and besieged by German forces during the invasion.
• Soviet Union: Invaded Poland from the east on September 17, 1939, as part of the secret protocols with Germany.
• Britain and France: Declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939, in response to the invasion of Poland, marking the start of their involvement in World War II.
• League of Nations: An international organization aimed at maintaining peace, which failed to prevent the aggression leading to World War II.

Declarations of War

• Declarations of war: Announcements by Britain and France on September 3, 1939, formally stating their entry into World War II against Germany.
• Neville Chamberlain: British Prime Minister who declared war on Germany following the invasion of Poland.
• Phoney War: A period of minimal active warfare on the Western Front from late 1939 to early 1940, despite the formal state of war.
• Maginot Line: A line of fortifications along the French-German border where French forces remained defensive during the Phoney War.
• Sitzkrieg: Another term for the Phoney War, highlighting the inactivity and lack of major military operations.
• Operation Weserübung: The German invasion of Denmark and Norway in April 1940, ending the Phoney War.
• Pact of Steel: A 1939 military alliance between Germany and Italy, leading to Italy's entry into World War II.
• Pearl Harbor: The Japanese attack on the U.S. naval base on December 7, 1941, which led to the United States declaring war on Japan and joining the Allies.

World War II as a Phoney War

• Phoney War: The early phase of World War II, characterized by limited military action on the Western Front despite declarations of war.
• Maginot Line: Fortifications along the French-German border where Allied forces adopted a defensive stance during the Phoney War.
• Sitzkrieg: Another term for the Phoney War, reflecting the lack of active combat during this period.
• Operation Weserübung: Germany's invasion of Denmark and Norway in April 1940, which marked the end of the Phoney War and resumed active conflict.
• Blitzkrieg: A rapid and aggressive military strategy used by Germany to swiftly conquer territories, exemplified in the invasions during and after the Phoney War.
• Western Front: The main theater of war between Germany and the Allies in Western Europe, relatively quiet during the Phoney War.
• Psychological tension: The uncertainty and anxiety experienced by civilians and soldiers during the Phoney War due to the lack of active fighting.
• New phase of intense and widespread combat: The transition from the Phoney War to active military operations, starting with Germany's invasions in 1940.

The Reaction of the German Invasion of Poland in the Media

• German invasion of Poland: The event on September 1, 1939, that started World War II and received extensive global media coverage.
• The Times: A prominent British newspaper that condemned the invasion and reported on the German military's brutal tactics.
• Le Monde: A leading French newspaper that highlighted the devastation in Poland and the suffering of its people.
• The New York Times: An American newspaper that provided detailed coverage of the invasion, influencing public opinion in the United States.
• The Washington Post: Another significant American newspaper reporting on the invasion and the Polish resistance.
• Nazi-controlled media: The German propaganda outlets that justified the invasion as a necessary action to protect ethnic Germans in Poland.
• Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact: The 1939 agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union, which included secret protocols for dividing Poland.