BLITZKRIEG

Blitzkrieg is a term for "lighting war" which was a German war tactic during World War II that proved effective for the German advances in the early years of the war.  It involved advancing armies using fast moving armor divisions supported by aircraft bombing runs.  The advancing tanks and planes would overwhelm the enemy by moving at an incredible pace and encircling enemy troops, while equally quick bombing runs would suppress and pummel the enemy soldiers.  The enemy forces would become confused and overrun as tanks broke through the front lines and circled back on them.  Next, the advancing forces would support the tanks and aircraft by having soldiers move in and capture the territory from the now destroyed or retreating enemy.

Blitzkrieg

During World War II, blitzkrieg tactics were used most effectively during the German invasion of Poland and the Battle of France.  In both cases, German forces were able to advance so quickly that Polish and French forces were surprised and overwhelmed.  Blitzkrieg was so effective that Germany quickly defeated both the countries in a matter of weeks.  In general, blitzkrieg tactics would be responsible for much of the early advances throughout the European Theater that Germany made in the early years of World War II.

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