The Second World War lasted nearly six years. It began in September 1939, when Germany invaded Poland. Two days later Britain and France declared war on Germany, but could not save the Poles. In 1940 Germany invaded Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, using a terrifying tactic called Blitzkrieg ('lightning war'). Italy then joined Germany, but Britain and her allies (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa) fought on. In 1941 Germany attacked Russia, while Japan attacked America. On June 6, 1944 (D-Day), Allied forces crossed the English Channel and landed on the beaches of Normandy in France, while the Russians advanced from the east. Germany surrendered in May 1945, and Japan in August. | | On D-Day, troops arrived by sea in special landing craft. |
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