Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
blitzkrieg
References & Edit History Related Topics
Images, Videos & Interactives
Burned and wrecked French tanks and vehicles line a town street, with damaged buildings on either side, after destruction by German forces during World War II. Carl von Clausewitz J.F.C. Fuller German Junkers Ju 87 Stuka dive-bomber in flight, viewed from below at an angle, with swastika insignia visible on the tail against a cloudy sky.
See how German troops parachuted behind the Maginot Line as part of the blitzkrieg against Allied forces
Map showing the German invasion of the Low Countries and France in 1940 during World War II. The map highlights the movement of German forces with red arrows advancing through the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and into northern France. Allied defensive lines and positions are marked in blue, with key cities, army groups, and the Dunkirk evacuation site indicated. The map also distinguishes between Axis, Allied, and neutral territories at the start of the conflict. Normandy Invasion
View archival footage of German troops invading Poland and forcing Europe into war
At a Glance
Germany invades Poland, September 1, 1939, using 45 German divisions and aerial attack. By September 20, only Warsaw held out, but final surrender came on September 29.
Pop Quiz: 17 Things to Know About World War II
default image
blitzkrieg summary
Quizzes
D-Day. American soldiers fire rifles, throw grenades and wade ashore on Omaha Beach next to a German bunker during D Day landing. 1 of 5 Allied beachheads est. in Normandy, France. The Normandy Invasion of World War II launched June 6, 1944.
A History of War
Related Questions
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
Britannica Websites
Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.
Burned and wrecked French tanks and vehicles line a town street, with damaged buildings on either side, after destruction by German forces during World War II.
Battle of France Disabled or abandoned French tanks after an engagement during the Battle of France in 1940.

blitzkrieg

military tactic
Written by
Raymond Limbach
Raymond Limbach is an independent historian who has an M.A. in Land Warfare (International Perspective) with honors and a graduate certificate in German Military Studies from the American Military University....
Raymond Limbach
Fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
Britannica Editors
History

blitzkrieg, military tactic calculated to create psychological shock and resultant disorganization in enemy forces through the employment of surprise, speed, and superiority in matériel or firepower. Blitzkrieg is most commonly associated with Nazi Germany during World War II even though numerous combatants used its techniques in that war. Its origins, however, can be traced to the 19th century, and elements of blitzkrieg have been used in present-day conflicts. The concept of blitzkrieg was formed by...

Discover the world with Britannica

Subscribe to Continue Reading

Free Trial | No Ads | Exclusive Content
Explore Subscriptions
DNA
Right
Mobile