World War 2: 1939

Summary by Krater

This video covers the events of 1939 leading up to World War II, examining the political moves, treaties, and military actions of Germany, Britain, France, Poland, the Soviet Union, Italy, and Japan.

From the video

Answers: What happened in 1939 leading up to World War II?

• World War II origins
• Nazi Germany expansion
• Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
• Invasion of Poland
• Winter War

What it concludes

• Germany annexed the western provinces of Bohemia and Moravia, seizing most of Czechoslovakia's gold, foreign currency, and armaments industries.
• Britain and France guaranteed Poland military support if attacked, drawing a firm line against German expansion.
• The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact divided Eastern Europe into Nazi and Soviet spheres of influence, temporarily preventing conflict between Germany and the Soviet Union.
• Despite vast military superiority in the West, Britain and France adopted an indirect strategy of blockade and economic pressure, failing to save Poland.
• German U-boats and surface raiders immediately engaged in unrestricted submarine warfare in the Atlantic upon the outbreak of war.