World War II Battles: January – March 1940

The early months of 1940 saw the war in Europe escalate significantly, with Germany launching a series of aggressive campaigns that dramatically changed the course of the conflict. This period witnessed the German invasion of Scandinavia, the increasing threat of submarine warfare, and the growing tension in the west.

The Invasion of Scandinavia (Operation Weserübung)

On April 9, 1940, Germany launched a surprise attack on Denmark and Norway, code-named Operation Weserübung. The primary objective was to secure vital iron ore supplies from Norway and establish naval bases to control the North Sea. The invasion was a swift and decisive victory for Germany, with Denmark surrendering within hours and Norway falling after a prolonged campaign.

The invasion of Scandinavia had significant consequences for the war. It allowed Germany to gain control of important strategic resources and extend its sphere of influence. It also forced Britain and France to divert their resources to the North Sea, weakening their position in the west.

The Battle of the North Atlantic

With the outbreak of war, the North Atlantic became a battleground for German U-boats and Allied merchant ships. German submarines, known for their stealth and effectiveness, began sinking Allied ships carrying vital supplies to Britain. This campaign, known as the Battle of the North Atlantic, was a crucial aspect of the war, as it threatened to cripple the British war effort.

The early months of 1940 saw a significant increase in submarine attacks. The British responded by organizing convoys and deploying destroyers to protect merchant ships. Despite these efforts, the German U-boat campaign took a heavy toll on Allied shipping, highlighting the importance of naval warfare in the war.

The Phony War

In the west, the war remained relatively quiet during the early months of 1940. The period between the outbreak of war in September 1939 and the German invasion of France in May 1940 is known as the Phony War. While there were sporadic skirmishes and air raids, the main armies of France and Britain remained largely inactive.

The Phony War was a period of intense diplomatic activity, with both sides attempting to gain an advantage through negotiations and alliances. However, the underlying tension and the growing threat of German aggression made it clear that the stalemate could not last forever.

Conclusion

The period between January and March 1940 marked a significant escalation of the war in Europe. The German invasion of Scandinavia, the increasing threat of submarine warfare, and the growing tension in the west all contributed to a sense of uncertainty and impending conflict. These events set the stage for the dramatic events of the following months, which would ultimately lead to the fall of France and the beginning of the Battle of Britain.

Key Takeaways

The invasion of Scandinavia was a strategic victory for Germany, allowing them to control vital resources and expand their sphere of influence.
The Battle of the North Atlantic was a crucial aspect of the war, as it threatened to cripple the British war effort by disrupting their supply lines.
The Phony War was a period of intense diplomatic activity and underlying tension, setting the stage for the dramatic events of the following months.

World War II Battles: January – March 1940