When the War Began: A Historical Account of the Second World War
The Second World War was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving nearly every country in the world. It was a war that saw the rise of totalitarian regimes, the devastation of cities, and the loss of millions of lives. In this article, we will explore the events that led to the outbreak of the war, the key players involved, and the key battles fought during the war.
The Road to War
The Second World War was the result of a series of events and tensions that had been building up for decades. The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919 after the First World War, imposed harsh penalties on Germany, including significant territorial losses and reparations. This led to widespread resentment among the German people and paved the way for the rise of the Nazi Party and its leader, Adolf Hitler.
Hitler’s Rise to Power
Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in 1933, and quickly began to implement his radical agenda. He annexed Austria in 1938, and then occupied Czechoslovakia in 1939. This aggressive expansion of Nazi Germany’s territory and influence was met with little opposition from the other major powers, including Britain and France.
The Invasion of Poland
On September 1, 1939, Nazi Germany invaded Poland, which was met with a declaration of war by France and Britain on September 3. This marked the beginning of the Second World War. However, the invasion of Poland was not the only act of aggression committed by Germany. The country had already invaded and occupied Denmark, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France, and had also bombarded British cities with the Luftwaffe.
The Battle of France
The Battle of France, fought from May 10 to June 25, 1940, was a decisive German victory. The German army, led by General Heinz Guderian, pierced the French defenses and rapidly advanced to the English Channel. The French government fled to Bordeaux, and then to Vichy, where it surrendered to the Germans.
The Dunkirk Evacuation
In May and June 1940, hundreds of thousands of Allied soldiers were evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk, France, in an operation known as the Dunkirk Evacuation. This dramatic rescue mission, led by the British Navy and assisted by civilian boats, was a major success, as it allowed many Allied troops to escape and regroup.
The Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain, fought from July to October 1940, was a decisive air campaign in which the Royal Air Force (RAF) defended the skies over Britain against the Luftwaffe, the German air force. The RAF, led by Hugh Dowding, outnumbered and outmaneuvered the Luftwaffe, inflicting significant losses and preventing a German invasion of Britain.
The Phoney War
From September 1939 to May 1940, there was a period of relative inactivity, known as the Phoney War, during which the major powers engaged in little military activity. However, this period of inactivity was misleading, as it was a time of intense diplomatic and military mobilization.
Key Dates and Events
Here are some key dates and events that led to the beginning of the war:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 1, 1939 | Nazi Germany invades Poland |
| September 3, 1939 | France and Britain declare war on Germany |
| May 10, 1940 | Battle of France begins |
| May 26, 1940 | British Prime Minister Winston Churchill visits Paris |
| June 25, 1940 | Battle of France ends |
| May-June 1940 | Dunkirk Evacuation takes place |
| July-October 1940 | Battle of Britain takes place |
Conclusion
The Second World War began with the invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, and would go on to last six years, involving nearly every country in the world and resulting in the loss of millions of lives. The war was marked by many significant events, including the Battle of France, the Dunkirk Evacuation, and the Battle of Britain. It was a war that would change the course of history and shape the world we live in today.
