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Blitzkrieg facts for kids

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Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-218-0504-36, Russland-Süd, Panzer III, Schützenpanzer, 23.Pz.Div. (cropped)
German column of panzers and mechanised infantry advancing through Ukraine, June 1942, typifying fast-moving combined arms forces of classic Blitzkrieg

Blitzkrieg is a German word which means lightning war, referring to the high velocity of a lightning bolt.

In a blitzkrieg the attacking armies move very quickly, and are helped by tanks and by aircraft. Enemy slower moving units are overrun or surrounded. They are often captured with little fighting. Often the slower units might not be ready to fight when they are captured.

It was used by the German army in World War II during the invasions of Poland, France, and the Soviet Union.

The Blitz refers to the German bombing of Britain, particularly London, during World War II, which destroyed over a million homes and killed over 40,000 people. The bombing was supposed to quickly destroy industry and morale (happiness) and make it easier for the German Army to invade. But the RAF (Royal Air Force) was able to stop The Blitz, and regain the control of the British airspace.

Towards the end of the war, the Allies learned to defeat German blitzkrieg attacks by attacking the sides of the attackers with reserve forces.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Guerra relámpago para niños

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