THE YEAR 1939
In a breach of contractual agreements, Hitler occupies all of Czechoslovakia and establishes the protectorate Bohemia and Moravia.
Lithuania cedes the Memel district. England and France repeatedly state that they will declare war on Germany in the case of a German attack on Poland or Danzig.
Nevertheless, Hitler, feeling confident because of a non-aggression pact with Russia, does start war with Poland. The declaration of war by the Western powers is tantamount to the complete breakdown of foreign relations, which were based on an amiable relationship with England. The quick conquest of Poland does nothing to change the constellation in Western Europe.
THE YEAR 1940
Without declaring war, Hitler invades Denmark and Norway, then, one month later, Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg.
As a result of the campaign in the West, France capitulates; England, however, does not, contrary to Hitler's expectations. Hitler is forced to engage in air combat over Britain, a battle he loses within only a few weeks. His terrorist air-raids on London and other English cities provoke retaliation by the RAF, resulting in the destruction of major German cities from 1942 to 1945.
Hitler dispatches troops to Rumania. His attempts to involve Spain, France and Russia in the battle against England fail. Italy's entry into the war proves to be a burden to Germany, with respect to Africa as well as Greece. NEW: Previously Unpublished Material
SEPTEMBER 4, 1938
The Reich Defense Law cancels the Military Service Act of May 21, 1935. It is kept secret on Hitler's order issued the same day. Until July 17, 1939, citing of or reference to the Reich Defense Law in public is forbidden.
MAY 3, 1940
With the launch of the offensive in the West imminent, Hitler addresses 6,000 officer cadets at the Berlin Sportpalast emphasizing the adaptation of the Lebensraum to increasing population, the claim that Germany is the most populous nation on Earth besides China, and struggle as the essence of life.
DECEMBER 18, 1940
Addressing the annual rally of young officers at the Berlin Sportpalast, Hitler again focuses on the inevitability of struggle and the relationship between population and Lebensraum. |