17.1.4

The Phoney War

Test yourself

The Phoney War

Between 1939 and 1940, the war was only in Eastern Europe. Because Britain and France were not directly attacked, this period in the war is called the ‘Phoney War’.

Illustrative background for Conquering PolandIllustrative background for Conquering Poland ?? "content

Conquering Poland

  • By 6th October 1939, Poland had been conquered by Germany and the Soviet Union.
Illustrative background for Propaganda warfareIllustrative background for Propaganda warfare ?? "content

Propaganda warfare

  • During these first few months of war Britain, France, Germany, Italy and the Soviet Union all focused on producing propaganda.
  • Propaganda aimed to rally the population to fight and to produce a deep hatred of the enemy.
  • British airplanes flew over Germany and dropped propaganda.
Illustrative background for Developing military technologyIllustrative background for Developing military technology ?? "content

Developing military technology

  • Everyone spent these early months of the war developing their military technology.
  • For example, tanks, explosives and radar were developed.

Jump to other topics

1The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

1.1Anglo-Saxon England

1.2The Contest for the English Throne

1.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

1.4King John

1.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

1.6The Black Death

2Worldviews

3The Empire of Mali

4The Renaissance & Reformations, 1500-1598 AD

5The British Empire, 1583-1960 AD

6The Peasants' Revolt

7Religion in the Middle Ages

8Slavery, 1619-1833 AD

9The English Civil War, 1642-1660

10The Industrial Revolution, 1750-1840

11US Independence, 1775-1783

12The French Revolution, 1789-1815

13The British Empire, 1857–1930

14Suffrage

15World War 1, 1914-1918

16The Inter-War Years, 1919-1939

17World War 2, 1939-1945

18The Cold War, 1947-1962

19Civil Rights in the USA, 1954-1975

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson