Germany Attacks Poland: Blitzkrieg

On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland, an act that began World War II in Europe. The campaign introduced the world to Blitzkrieg, or "lightning war," a doctrine in which fast-moving armored columns and concentrated air power combined to shatter an enemy's defenses before they could organize.

Air power led the way. The Luftwaffe struck Polish airfields, communications, and troop concentrations, while Junkers Ju 87 Stuka dive bombers provided close support to the advancing ground forces. Diving steeply onto their targets, often with sirens wailing, the Stukas became a symbol of the terror and precision of the new style of warfare and helped force the surrender of Warsaw.

The Polish campaign showed how aircraft could be integrated directly into a land offensive as flying artillery. The lessons drawn from it, by both sides, shaped the conduct of the early war and the rapid German victories of 1940.