The Invasion of Poland: Sept 1, 1939
- German attack using Blitzkrieg warfare (tanks, flanking, coordinated air support)
- British and French declare war on Sept. 3 1939
- Russia joins and occupies eastern half on Sept. 17, 1939
- Canada waited a week to show autonomy from Britain
- War ends on 29 September 1939
The Phony War
- Term to describe lack of action after the Invasion of Poland (USA practicing isolationism)
- Ends in April of 1940
- There was a state of war but no one was really taking action
- During this time the "Winter War" between Finland and Russia took place (Russia saw an opportunity to invade Finland to gain more territory)
- French make small attacks from the Maginot Line
Summary
The invasion of Poland marked the beginning of WWII in Europe. Blitzkrieg warfare was introduced by the German military.