Blitzkrieg

The Invasion of Poland to the Fall of France

Blitzkrieg cover

Blitzkrieg

The Invasion of Poland to the Fall of France

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Description

A fascinating study of the devastating new form of warfare that redrew the map of Europe in the opening year of World War II, bringing about the military collapse and capitulation of seven modern industrialized nations.

On 1 September 1939, Nazi Germany launched the invasion of Poland, employing a new type of offensive warfare: Blitzkrieg. So named by Allied observers because of the shock and rapidity of its effects, this new approach was based on speed, manoeuvrability and concentration of firepower. The strategy saw startling success as the panzer divisions, supported by Stuka dive-bombers, spread terror and mayhem, reaching Warsaw in just one week. Aided by the intervention of the Soviet Union in the east, the campaign was over in a mere 36 days.

This astonishing feat was followed by Operation Weserübung, the invasion of Denmark and then Norway in 1940, the first joint air-sea-land campaign in the history of warfare. Even more striking an achievement was the swift and conclusive defeat of France during May–June 1940. Refusing to let its forces dash themselves against the fortifications of the Maginot Line, Germany instead sent its divisions through neutral Belgium and northern France in Fall Gelb ('Case Yellow'), destroying Allied resistance and pursuing the remnant of the British and French forces to Dunkirk in an audacious and devastatingly effective assault. During the course of Fall Rot ('Case Red') over the following 20 days, German forces pressed the attack and by 25 June had forced France's leaders into a humiliating capitulation.

Illustrated throughout with detailed maps, artwork and contemporary photographs, Blitzkrieg: The Invasion of Poland to the Fall of France tells the story of these first breakneck attacks, examining the armed forces, leaders, technology, planning and execution in each campaign as well as the challenges faced by the Germans in the pursuit of this new and deadly form of warfare.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1: The Autumn 1939 Polish Campaign
2: The Spring 1940 Campaigns in Denmark and Norway
3: The Spring 1940 Western Campaign:
- Phase One: The Charge to the Sea (10–20 May 1940)
- Phase Two: End-Game in the West (21 May – 25 June 1940)

Conclusion
Glossary
Further Reading
Index

Product details

Published 02 Sep 2021
Format Hardback
Edition 1st
Extent 304
ISBN 9781472847874
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations Full colour throughout
Dimensions 242 x 190 mm
Series General Military
Short code GNM
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Volume Editor

Stephen A. Hart

Dr Stephen A Hart is senior lecturer in the War St…

Volume Editor

Russell Hart

Dr Russell A. Hart is Professor of History and Dir…

Resources

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