How did the Second World War Start?
At the end of the First World War in 1918 Germany had to give up large amounts of land and was prohibited from having an army.
In 1933 the German people voted for a leader named Adolf Hitler, who led a political party in Germany called the National Socialists or Nazis. Hitler promised to make his country great again and quickly began to arm Germany again.
Shortly before 5am on Friday 1st September, 1939, German forces stormed the Polish frontier. Tanks and ground troops flooded into the country over ground, supported by bombers overhead. A total of 1.25 million Germans soldiers swept into Poland.
When did the war begin?
World War Two officially began in Europe 3rd September 1939, when the Prime Minister of Britain, Neville Chamberlain, declared war on Germany.
Class Activity:
Children can create a timeline detailing the major events that started World War II.