Britain as the Undefeated Nation in World War II

Britain as the Undefeated Nation in World War II Britain was the Only European Country to Remain Both Undefeated and

Opposed to Hitler's Germany Throughout the Period June 1940 to October

1943.

After Hitler's Blitzkrieg invasion of Poland, Norway, Belgium,

Czechoslovakia, France and Holland, Britain was alone in Europe. The

Nazi - Soviet Pact of August 1939, stated neither Germany nor Russia

would attack each other. The United States of America had no interest

in the War, the opinion still of isolationism. Britain was alone in

Europe from June 1940 to October 1943, the point where Italy changed

sides.

Britain sent troops from the B.E.F to France, but the almighty power

of the German forces had pushed them back to the beaches of Dunkirk,

where 1/2 million British and French troops were surrounded. A major

fault of Hitler's actions were that he had not pushed further the last

remaining miles to the enemy. His troops had become so exhausted due

to the invasion of Europe, they took rest. In this period, Britain

sent ships to collect their men. 333,000 were saved. These men were

able to fight another day and what could have been a major defeat to

Britain was avoided.

Another main reason was the geography of Britain. Surrounded by water,

planes unable to stay over the country for long without having to

refuel and logistically and militarily, invasion was always set to be

a problem for enemy forces. This was a major reason of how Britain

stayed undefeated, principally at the outset of the War when Hitler's

invasion plan was beginning ...

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...cant or vital to winning the War. It also drained

significant German supplies, especially troops, weakening the German

army and lines.

Two other incredibly crucial events in this period was the 'Battle of

Britain' and 'The Battle of the Atlantic.' These halted any invasion

plans and kept Britain from starving out of lack of supplies and an

inevitable attack.

After the counter attack at Stalingrad, the German Forces were now in

retreat from Russia. The invasion and the capitulation of Italy in

October 1943 had altered the balance of forces and Germany was

retreating throughout Europe. Any invasion plans or concentration of

attack on Britain was no longer a possibility or threat.

Bibliography:

The Illustrated Book of World War II

The World at War (video)

Class Notes

BBC History Internet Site