Causes And Effects Of 20th Century Wars - Course Companion - David M. Smith - Oxford 2015

Overview of Blitzkrieg in Poland
- Poland was the first trial of Blitzkrieg, utilizing innovative tactics suited to its terrain.
- The large, open plains allowed for the movement of tanks and coordination of air support without obstruction.
- The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact's secret terms ensured Polish forces would face a relentless attack from both German and Soviet armies.

Initial Assault
- At 5 am on September 1, 1939, the Luftwaffe launched air raids targeting Polish air force facilities, destroying much of its capacity in one day.
- Raids targeted infrastructure, including roads and rail, to disrupt Polish mobility and support.
Tactical Execution
- 1.5 million German soldiers entered Poland divided into two army groups:
  - One group moved north and east, circumventing main Polish formations.
  - Main attack focused towards Warsaw, aiming to encircle Polish forces.
- Polish forces, though able to withdraw temporarily, set up a defensive perimeter in Warsaw.

Tactics of Terror
- Units of the SS, tasked with extermination of perceived enemies of Nazism, followed the main forces.
- Targeted Jews, communists, and local leaders in a ruthless crackdown, destroying villages.

Siege and Surrender
- The Luftwaffe bombarded Warsaw for ten days starting September 17, contributing to the city’s rapid decline.
- Polish forces surrendered on September 27 due to extensive destruction and civilian casualties.

Declarations of War
- Britain and France declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939, following Poland's invasion.
- Subsequent declarations came from nations within the British Commonwealth.

Polish Military Losses:
- Dead/Missing: 70,000
- Wounded: 133,000
- Captured: 700,000 German hands; 217,000 Russian hands.
German Military Losses:
- Dead: 13,900
- Wounded: 30,000
- Civilians: 25,000 killed during the campaign.

Initial Strategy and Delays
- After the Polish campaign, German forces prepared for a quick turnaround to invade France, but delays pushed operations to Spring 1940.
- During this period, known as the Phoney War, both sides reinforced their positions.

Strategic Shift
- Unlike the previous war strategies, the Germans planned to attack Belgium and the Netherlands to mislead Allied forces and split them.
- A majority of German armour would push through the Ardennes, which was deemed impassable.

Trapped Forces and Evacuation
- Allied forces were trapped against the coast; evacuation operation known as Dynamo evacuated over 337,000 troops despite heavy losses.
- Key to success was the halting of German panzers and the provision of air cover by the RAF.

Soviet Resistance and Strategy
- The Stalingrad operation began in August 1942 as Germans aimed to secure the Volga River and flank access to the Caucasus oilfields.
- Following heavy urban warfare, the Soviets used multiple tactics to mobilize civilian and military defenses.
German Losses:
- Over 500,000 casualties and eventual encirclement led to German surrender in January 1943.

Shifts in Resources
- Advances in production and technology influenced tactics and strategies of the military operations.
- Allied forces managed to outproduce the Axis powers, evidenced by resources and successful campaigns in 1942.
Importance of Technology
- German technological innovations, such as the Enigma code system and U-boat strategies, faced significant countermeasures from Allied cryptanalysis and military advancements.

The early successes and failures observed through various operations indicated the significance of integrated military strategies and adapting technology to warfare.