British Situation WWII

BRITISH SITUATION

Short definition

The war between the Axis and the Allies, beginning on September 1, 1939, with the German invasion of Poland and ending with the surrender of Germany on May 8, 1945, and of Japan on August 14, 1945

WWII

Tursday 27th January

Aude Alézier

German invasion of Poland

On September 1, 1939, the world was shocked as Nazi troops invaded Poland. Tensions soared in Europe, and world leaders recognized that this invasion could be the final straw that would lead to war. German military leaders had begun planning for war with Poland as early as the mid 1920s.

1st September

Chamberlain sends Hilter an ultimatum

This is Britain's final ultimatum letter to Germany, delivered at 9 am on 3 September 1939. Written by the Foreign Secretary Lord Halifax, it states that unless Hitler's troops withdraw from Poland, Britain will 'fulfil its obligations to Poland'. The demands were quickly rejected and war began.

2nd September

Germany ignores the ultimatum

3rd September

1st war tax is revealed

27th September

November:

Famous speeches

'Blood, toil, tears and sweat' (13 May), 'We Shall Fight on the Beaches' (4 June) and 'This was their Finest Hour' (18 June),

Germany invades France

German troops overran Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and France in six weeks starting in May 1940. France signed an armistice in late June 1940, leaving Great Britain as the only country fighting Nazi Germany. Germany and collaborating authorities soon initiated anti-Jewish policies and laws in occupied western Europe.

10th May

Winston Churchill becomes Prime Minister

Winston Churchill, First Lord of the Admiralty, is called to replace Neville Chamberlain as British prime minister following the latter’s resignation after losing a confidence vote in the House of Commons.

Also the same day:

12 May