The Road to War: September – December 1939

The period from September to December 1939 saw the world plunged into a global conflict that would forever alter the course of history. This period was marked by a rapid escalation of tensions, culminating in the outbreak of World War II. Let’s delve into the key events that shaped this tumultuous time.

September 1939: The Invasion of Poland

On September 1st, 1939, Germany launched a surprise attack on Poland. This event marked the official beginning of World War II. The invasion was swift and brutal, with German forces utilizing blitzkrieg tactics, a strategy that emphasized speed and overwhelming force. The Polish military, despite valiant efforts, was overwhelmed by the German onslaught.

The invasion of Poland triggered a chain reaction across Europe. On September 3rd, Great Britain and France, who had pledged to defend Poland’s independence, declared war on Germany. While these nations had initially hoped to deter German aggression, the invasion of Poland forced them into action.

September – October 1939: Early Skirmishes

Following the invasion of Poland, the war initially focused on the Eastern Front. The Soviet Union, under the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, also invaded Poland from the east, carving up the country with Germany. The early months of the war saw limited fighting between Germany and the Allied forces. The British and French forces primarily engaged in defensive actions, seeking to contain the German advance.

However, the war was far from static. The German Luftwaffe, the German air force, launched attacks on British ships in the North Sea, while the Royal Air Force (RAF) retaliated with attacks on German naval bases. These actions signaled the beginning of the aerial warfare that would define the war in the coming years.

November – December 1939: The ‘Phony War’

Despite the declaration of war, the period from November to December 1939 saw a lull in the fighting, earning the nickname ‘Phony War.’ Both sides seemed to be hesitant to engage in full-scale combat, leading to a period of relative inactivity. However, this period was far from peaceful. It was a time of intense diplomatic maneuvering, as nations scrambled to secure alliances and prepare for the inevitable escalation of the conflict.

The ‘Phony War’ was also a period of intense propaganda and mobilization. Both sides sought to rally their populations to the war effort, portraying the conflict as a battle for freedom and democracy against the forces of tyranny. This propaganda played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and fueling the war effort.

The Road Ahead

While the early months of the war saw limited fighting, the seeds of a global conflict were sown. The invasion of Poland, the declaration of war by Great Britain and France, and the escalating tensions across Europe all pointed towards a protracted and devastating war. The period from September to December 1939 marked the beginning of a conflict that would consume the world for six years, leaving millions dead and forever altering the geopolitical landscape.

In the months that followed, the war would escalate dramatically. The ‘Phony War’ would come to an end, and the full fury of the conflict would unleash itself upon Europe. The period from September to December 1939 was a critical juncture in history, a period that marked the beginning of a dark chapter in human history.