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Date Posted: 20:45:28 05/01/03 Thu
Author: Mr John D Clare
Subject: Hitler's early successes in WWII
In reply to: 's message, "Sucess of Germany in early stages of WWII" on 06:29:41 05/01/03 Thu

The Nazis succeeded in the early stages of the war for three main reasons:
1. Hitler’s preparations – he had been building up his forces since 1935, and he had more than twice as many men, more planes, and more and better tanks. His agreement with Russia left him free to concentrate on the war with France and Britain.
2. Hitler’s strategy (blitzkrieg) – began with a bomber attacks on enemy communication centres and parachutists dropped behind lines to create chaos, then a massed tank attack punched a hole in the enemy line, through which his main force poured, outflanking the enemy forces which (without orders) surrendered.
3. Allied unpreparedness – France was weak, infiltrated by fascist 5th columnists, and over-reliant on the Maginot line. Britain (still with Chamberlain in charge until 10 May 1940) sent the BEF, but - as soon as it was attacked in May 1940 - ordered it to start withdrawing (without telling the French and Belgians!) which caused the defence of France to collapse.

The Nazis, therefore, had many initial successes including:
a. Poland (Sep 1939)
b. Denmark and Norway (April 1940)
c. Holland and Belgium (May 1940)
d. France (surrendered 22 June) including the massive victory at Dunkirk, when the Nazis totally routed the British army.
e. Battle of Britain – Britain survived invasion, but the Luftwaffe did untold damage to fighter command, and the Blitz destroyed much of London and other towns (eg Coventry 1941)
f. German U-boat ‘wolf-packs’ wrecked allied shipping, causing severe shortages in Britain.
g. The Bismarck sank HMS Hood (May 1941).
h. North Africa (1940-41) – Rommel defeated the British and almost captured Egypt.
i. Southern Europe – the Nazis penetrated the Balkans and captured Greece (April 1941).
j. Remember that Japan, Nazi Germany’s ally, was being similarly successful in the far east (eg capture of Singapore Feb 1942).

In fact, Hitler was undefeated and virtually undefeatable until he invaded Russia in 1941.

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