After
Denmark and Norway surrendered to Germany, a series events happened that led to
Germany becoming more powerful and greater force against every other country
associated in the war at that time period. The first of those that had great
meaning, was Winston Churchill becoming the leader of the British government. This
was put into place because of the events of Germany taking over Denmark and
Norway, Holland, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Through all of this former Prime
Minister Chamberlain lost the support of many members of the conservative party
because of his confidence of being able to beat the Nazis, and putting their soldiers
in danger to just get defeated and eventually overtaken. Churchill was known
around for his military leadership ability, so at that time by the vote and
support of many Britons was put in to be the leader of the British government. In
his first speech to his people, he told everyone that the British people would “never
surrender.” He stuck to his word, and they from that point on did.
About
10 days after Churchill was put in as leader, Italy decided to enter the war as
a member of the Axis powers. The Axis mainly included three principal partners
that are as follows: Germany, Japan, and now Italy.
After
this joining of these countries to form a bigger and fiercer power against the
other countries associated in the war, came another historical moment in this
time period. This was known to be the “Battle of Britain.” This battle was a
tribulation between the German Luftwaffe, in the direction of Hermaan Goring
and the British Royal air force led by Sir Hugh Dowding’s Fighter Command. It
lasted over a solid time period of July and October of 1940.
This
war was known to be very historic in the fact that it was the first major
military combat to be fought entirely in the air. The Germans plan and purpose
when going into this was to win over the air superiority over Southern Britain
and English Channel by destroying the British aircraft/ air force industry.
This war hit its peak or climax on September
15 when the Luftwaffe lost 56 planes and the RAF 28. During the time period of
twelve weeks, 1,733 German aircraft carriers were destroyed. On the other
standpoint of this, the British only had lost about 915 fighters. Once it had
gotten to September 17th Hitler had recognized that they were of no
math, and that the fatalities were starting to quickly add up. Because of this,
he decided to postpone this battle in Britain. This then lead to change in
German tactics and a new mindset from here on in the war.
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