Definition: Invasion of Poland and Blitzkrieg (scroll down for answer)       Definition: Invasion of Poland and Blitzkrieg World War II in Europe began on September 1, 1939 when Hitler invaded Poland. They did this in a surprise blitzkrieg, or "lightning war," that used immense air and land forces. Poland quickly fell. Great Britain and France declared war on Germany. Note: Many historians consider the beginning of war to be in 1931 when Japan invaded Manchuria, China. Click here for next flash card.      Back to eFlashcard headquarters