http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/blitzkrieg.htm
The Blitzkrieg was a tactic used by the Germans that relied heavily on speed and movement. It was generally a force of quick ground units containing light weight tanks and infantry that was supported by a lot of planes. "Once a strategic target had been selected, Stuka dive bombers were sent in to 'soften' up the enemy" (Website 1). This means, the bombers would go and destroy rail lines, communication centers, and roads. The destruction would cause confusion in the towns and cities. With all the people wanted to skip town, it made it hard for military support to reach the allied troops, which by now were facing a rushing force of tanks and infantry. "Once a target had been taken, the Germans did not stop to celebrate victory; they moved onto the next target" (Website 1). The troops that continued on would attack civilians to cause more chaos and reek havoc. This is a quote from a French soldier's diary that sheds a little light on why the Germans were so victorious, "The pace is too fast... it's the cooperation between the dive-bombers and the tanks that is winning the war for Germany" (Website 1). Obviously the German's tactics were working very well and the French knew it. They were afraid of German speed and power.
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http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10005437
It is a Dot org, its links work, and it was updated June 20, 2014. "Blitzkrieg tactics required the concentration of offensive weapons along a narrow front" (Website 2). They would burst through a small part in the enemy defenses and then destroy everything once the tanks had reached the other side. This would "cause shock and disorganization among the enemy" (Website 2). This was effective against most Western European nations. With their enemies stunned, it must have been easy to cause a lot of damage and kill many soldiers. This tactic was truly a brilliant idea, horrible, but brilliant. "German air power prevented the enemy from adequately resupplying or redeploying forces" (Website 2). This stopped them from sealing off breaches from the German army, and allowed Germany to capture many surrounded soldiers. This must have been difficult for any nation to lose many troops this way and maybe even a little embarrassing to be defeated so quickly.
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The Blitzkrieg was so effective because it was "designed to create disorganization among enemy forces through the use of mobile forces and locally concentrated firepower" (Website 3). This allowed the Germans to have the upper hand when attacking and often was the reason for their success. Because the outcomes were quick, " it preserved human lives and limited the expenditure of artillery" (Website 3). This saved money and ammo which could be used efficiently as they continued their campaign.
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