1a. In 1939 there was no such thing as a World War, merely a series of short, limited campaigns in which Hitler gained more European land. This war was different from most wars from its very beginnings. Up until this point in history, most military plans were based on defensive tactics, but Hitler was aware that his goals could only be met offensively. Blitzkrieg, a new German concept emerged from this type of warfare by Colonel Guderian, involving tanks, motorized vehicles, and aircraft as early as 1937. It was capable of destroying entire countries within weeks in executed precisely (Wall, 143-44).
By September 1939, no other country had the military power to stop the Blitzkrieg. Germany had the man power and superiority in the air as well. Their first target was Poland. They began to invade early in September, all resistances ended within a month suffering many casualties. Meanwhile, Hitler was tremendously enjoying the Blitzkrieg's success but his military actions would be held up for several months due to lose in their first defeat (Wall, 145-46).
Mussolini (left) and Hitler sent their armies to N...
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German advances during Operation Barbarossa, 22 Ju...Finally, in May 1940, Hitler was able to carry out the invasions of western and northern Europe due to their rejection of his offer of peace overtures to both Britain and France (Wall, 147).
In northern Europe, Germany hastily crossed the border into Denmark on April 8, in a matter or hours they mission was accomplished. Within the next few days, they also conquered southern and central Norway. Controlling the Norwegian coast allowed base for submarines, aircrafts, and also to spy and attack enemy transports (Wall, 149-51).
Things began to heat up in Western Europe when Hitler launched his invasion in the north on the Dutch on May 10th. The Netherlands surrendered the day preceding the bombings that marked the realization of the true...