CHECKPOINT 1. How was the blitzkrieg different from the type of warfare in World War I? What made the blitzkrieg possible? 2. Why was Canada not automatically at war when Britain declared war on Germany? 3. Why did the French think they were safe from attack on their mutual border with Germany? 4. Explain why Dunkirk was an important event in World War II.

1. **Blitzkrieg vs. WWI Warfare:** World War I was characterized by static trench warfare, with armies bogged down in defensive positions for extended periods. The blitzkrieg ("lightning war") was a radical departure. It involved a rapid, coordinated attack using tanks, aircraft, and motorized infantry, designed to overwhelm the enemy quickly and avoid stalemate. Key differences include mobility, speed, and combined arms coordination.<br /><br />What made the blitzkrieg possible? Several factors contributed:<br /><br />* **Technological advancements:** The development of tanks, dive bombers (like the Stuka), and improved radio communication allowed for coordinated, fast-paced assaults.<br />* **Strategic doctrine:** The German military developed new strategies emphasizing speed, maneuverability, and concentrated force.<br />* **Weakness of opponents:** Many countries, still clinging to WWI tactics, were unprepared for this new form of warfare.<br /><br /><br />2. **Canada's Autonomy:** Canada was not automatically at war when Britain declared war because, since the Statute of Westminster in 1931, Canada had become a self-governing dominion within the British Commonwealth. This meant Canada had control over its own foreign policy and could decide whether or not to participate in a war, even if Britain was involved. While strong ties remained with Britain, Canada's parliament had to formally declare war, which it did one week after Britain. This demonstrated Canada's growing independence.<br /><br /><br />3. **The Maginot Line:** The French believed they were safe from a direct attack along their border with Germany because of the Maginot Line. This was a heavily fortified defensive line built after World War I, consisting of bunkers, obstacles, and artillery emplacements. The French believed it to be impenetrable. However, the Germans bypassed the Maginot Line by attacking through the Ardennes Forest, a region considered too difficult for tanks and heavy equipment, which the French had left lightly defended.<br /><br /><br />4. **The Importance of Dunkirk:** The evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940 was a crucial event in World War II for several reasons:<br /><br />* **Saving the British Expeditionary Force (BEF):** Over 300,000 Allied soldiers (mostly British and French) were trapped on the beaches of Dunkirk, surrounded by German forces. The evacuation, involving a flotilla of naval vessels and civilian boats, allowed a significant portion of the BEF to escape capture or death. While they lost heavy equipment, the survival of these troops was vital for the continuation of the war.<br />* **Boosting British morale:** Although a military retreat, Dunkirk was presented as a triumph of resilience and national unity in Britain. It demonstrated the determination to resist Nazi Germany and provided a much-needed psychological boost at a dark moment.<br />* **Prolonging the war:** The rescue of the BEF allowed Britain to remain an active combatant in the war. Had these troops been lost, it might have forced Britain to negotiate a peace with Germany, potentially changing the course of the entire conflict.<br />