What is the phoney war?

What is the Phoney War?

The Phoney War, also known as the "Sitzkrieg" or "Bore War," was a period of inactivity and stalemate on the Western Front during World War II, lasting from September 1939 to May 1940. It was a time of relative calm and inaction, despite the fact that both Germany and France had declared war on each other just a few months earlier.

The Initial Period of War

In September 1939, Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, invaded Poland, which led to the United Kingdom and France declaring war on Germany. The initial period of the war was marked by a series of rapid German victories, including the invasion of Denmark and Norway, and the defeat of Poland. However, as the war moved into the fall of 1939, the situation on the Western Front began to stagnate.

The Phoney War Begins

The Phoney War got its name from the fact that, despite the official state of war, there was little actual fighting or movement on the Western Front. The German army, under the command of General Walther von Brauchitsch, had pushed deep into Poland, but had then stopped at the Polish-German border. The French army, under the command of General Maurice Gamelin, had mobilized its forces and established a defensive line along the Maginot Line, a series of fortifications that stretched along the French-German border.

Reasons for the Phoney War

There were several reasons why the Phoney War persisted for so long. One reason was that both sides were waiting for the other to make the first move. The Germans were content to occupy the territory they had already gained, while the French were waiting for the Germans to launch a full-scale invasion. Another reason was that both sides were still reorganizing their military forces and building up their supplies and equipment.

Key Events of the Phoney War

Despite the lack of fighting, there were several key events that took place during the Phoney War. Some of the most significant events include:

• The Battle of the Atlantic: The German U-boat fleet, under the command of Admiral Karl Dönitz, began to attack Allied convoys and shipping lanes, leading to a series of battles and skirmishes at sea.
• The Battle of the Maginot Line: The French army began to build up its defenses along the Maginot Line, while the Germans began to build up their forces in the Saar region.
• The Luftwaffe’s Blitz: The German air force, the Luftwaffe, began to launch bombing raids on British cities, including London and Manchester.

The End of the Phoney War

The Phoney War finally came to an end in May 1940, when Germany launched a surprise attack on France and the Low Countries, known as the Battle of France. The German army, under the command of General Heinz Guderian, broke through the French defenses and pushed deep into France, leading to the surrender of France and the occupation of Paris.

Conclusion

The Phoney War was a period of inactivity and stalemate on the Western Front during World War II, lasting from September 1939 to May 1940. Despite the fact that both Germany and France had declared war on each other, there was little actual fighting or movement on the Western Front. The Phoney War finally came to an end in May 1940, when Germany launched a surprise attack on France and the Low Countries, leading to the surrender of France and the occupation of Paris.

Timeline of the Phoney War

Key Figures of the Phoney War

• Adolf Hitler: Leader of Germany and commander-in-chief of the German army
• General Walther von Brauchitsch: Commander-in-chief of the German army
• General Maurice Gamelin: Commander-in-chief of the French army
• Admiral Karl Dönitz: Commander-in-chief of the German U-boat fleet
• General Heinz Guderian: Commander of the German Panzer Corps

Bibliography

• "The Phoney War" by Richard Overy
• "The Battle of France" by Anthony Beevor
• "The Second World War" by Winston Churchill
• "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" by William L. Shirer