Germany
The Rise of the Nazis - History.com |
"It is not truth that matters, but victory."
- Mein Kampf, Adolf Hitler Germany under Hitler's rule was a military and economic powerhouse. After ridding Germany of what he viewed as undesirables - Jews, homosexuals, intellectuals and more - he turned his sights towards expanding to give his people more Lebensraum, or "living space," for the Aryan race. |
"Hitler established a Reich Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda. The Ministry's aim was to ensure that the Nazi message was successfully communicated through art, music, theater, films, books, radio, educational materials, and the press."
- Holocaust Encyclopedia Many German people didn't object to Hitler's messages. His intense and clever use of propaganda restored German pride that had been severely damaged at the end of WWI. "Pupils were taught according to National Socialist principles. Textbooks were hastily rewritten and all teachers had to take an oath of loyalty to Hitler himself."
- Smithsonian, "The Definitive Visual History of World War II" |
France
After six weeks of grueling battle, France fell under Germany's control. The Luftwaffe dominated the skies collapsing the French lines. Hitler ordered the French Navy to demilitarize and established the puppet government of Vichy France in the South. French resistance began with the passing of information but soon evolved into aiding downed Allied airmen and armed struggle.
Belgium
Blitzkrieg, or "lightening war" in German, was the Nazi form of attack that combined fast-moving tanks with air power. This attack style decimated the French, British, Dutch, and Belgian allies in less than a month; Belgium was forced to surrender after 18 days of ceaseless fire. The king of Belgium...sent an emissary through the German lines to request an armistice, a cease-fire.
It was rejected. The Germans demanded unconditional surrender. - History Channel, This Day in History: May 28th, 1940 |
Founded in Belgium, the Comet Line was one of the most successful escape lines. However, Belgium, as elsewhere, had various forms of resisting.
"Because many major rail lines travel through Belgium between Germany and France, Belgian Resistance members were able to supply the Allies intelligence on German troop movements, while saboteurs were also able to destroy key railways on many occasions."
- Peter Chen, WWII Database
- Peter Chen, WWII Database
Spain
"Franco did not want to commit his country to the war, even as he allowed German subs to refuel in Spanish ports and German spies to keep tabs on British naval forces in Gibraltar."
- History Channel, This Day in History: Nov 19,1940 The general and dictator of Spain, Franco, was neutral throughout the war, never fully committing to either side. But for those involved in escape routes, Spain was still dangerous - any soldier or helper caught would be imprisoned. |