What was the Phoney War, and during what period did it occur?

The Phoney War was an eight-month period at the beginning of World War II, from roughly September 1939 to May 1940, characterized by a significant lack of major Allied military land operations on the Western Front. This period saw relative inactivity on the front lines between the main Allied and German forces.

When did World War II officially begin, and what event marked the start of the Phoney War period?

World War II began on September 1, 1939, with Germany and the Soviet Union's invasion of Poland. The Phoney War period commenced with the United Kingdom and France's formal declarations of war on Germany on September 3, 1939, following the invasion.

Despite the lack of major land operations, what actions did the Western Allies take during the Phoney War?

The Western Allies implemented economic warfare, including a naval blockade of Germany to restrict its imports, and took steps to shut down German surface raiders. They also formulated elaborate plans for large-scale future operations.

What were some of the ambitious plans the Allies formulated during the Phoney War?

The Allies planned to open a front in the Balkans, invade Norway to seize control of Germany's primary source of iron ore, and impose an embargo against the Soviet Union, which was Germany's main oil supplier.

How did the Phoney War's inactivity contrast with the actual warfare occurring elsewhere?

While the Western Front was quiet, the war had already begun with the invasion of Poland, and significant naval actions were taking place, most notably the Battle of the Atlantic, which commenced shortly after the declarations of war.

What event marked the end of the Phoney War?

The Phoney War ended on May 10, 1940, with the German invasion of France and the Low Countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg). Coincidentally, Winston Churchill also became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on the same day.

What was the initial term used by the British for this period of inactivity, and why did it change?

The initial term used by the British was "Bore War," likely a pun on the Boer War fought decades earlier. The Americanism "Phoney War" eventually became the preferred term, partly to avoid confusion with the South African conflict and to reflect the perceived lack of genuine engagement.

Who is credited with coining the term "Phoney War," and in what context?

U.S. Senator William Borah is generally credited with coining the term "Phoney War." He used it in September 1939 to describe the perceived inactivity on the Western Front, stating, "There is something phoney about this war," implying a lack of genuine conflict.

What other names were used to refer to the Phoney War?

The Phoney War was also referred to as the "Twilight War" by Winston Churchill. In German, it was known as Sitzkrieg (meaning "sitting war"), a wordplay on blitzkrieg created by the British press. In French, it was called drôle de guerre, meaning "funny" or "strange" war.

What was the Allied strategy formalized in March 1939 regarding the war against Nazi Germany?

The Allied strategy was to contest specific German aggressive actions while maintaining a defensive posture on the Western Front. This approach was intended to allow time for Britain and France to build up their military resources and achieve economic and naval superiority over Germany.

What was the Polish assumption regarding the Western Front during the invasion of Poland?

The Polish Army's defense plan, known as Plan West, assumed that the Allies would quickly launch a significant offensive on the Western Front to divert German forces and relieve pressure on Poland. This assumption proved incorrect due to the inactivity during the Phoney War.

What was the extent of the French Saar Offensive in September 1939?

The Saar Offensive was a limited land action where French forces advanced a few kilometers into Germany's Saar district against weak German opposition, capturing approximately 20 evacuated villages. However, the offensive was halted after seizing the Warndt Forest, and French forces soon withdrew.

What was the strategic purpose of the Saar Offensive, and was it successful in achieving it?

The strategic purpose of the Saar Offensive was to assist Poland by diverting German troops from the Polish Front. However, it was a half-hearted operation that achieved little and did not succeed in diverting any German troops from Poland.

How did the Anglo-French Supreme War Council's decision at Abbeville on September 12, 1939, affect the situation on the Western Front?

The council decided to halt all offensive actions, with the French opting for a defensive war. General Maurice Gamelin ordered French troops to stop short of German positions along the Siegfried Line and later ordered them to withdraw, a decision that was not communicated to Poland.

What was the nature of interactions between British and German soldiers during the early months of the Phoney War?

Interactions were surprisingly non-hostile at times. For instance, British pilots mapping the Siegfried Line were sometimes waved at by German troops. After a German bomber crashed in Essex, the German crew members were buried with RAF support and received wreaths of sympathy.

What was the British apprehension regarding strategic bombing of Germany?

British officials, including the Secretary of State for Air, Kingsley Wood, expressed apprehension about bombing German targets like ammunition dumps, fearing German retaliation against England. This caution contributed to the limited aerial actions.

What was the significance of the Altmark incident in February 1940?

The Altmark incident, where the Royal Navy boarded the German tanker Altmark in Norwegian waters to free British prisoners, highlighted the growing tensions and the strategic importance of Norway. It contributed to Germany's decision to invade Norway.

What naval actions did occur during the Phoney War?

Notable naval actions included the sinking of the British liner SS Athenia by a German submarine, RAF bombing raids on German warships at Wilhelmshaven and in the Heligoland Bight, the sinking of HMS Courageous and HMS Royal Oak by U-boats, and the Battle of the River Plate involving the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee.

What was the outcome of the RAF's early daylight bombing raids on German warships?

The early daylight raids, such as those on Wilhelmshaven and the Heligoland Bight, proved to be costly failures. Heavy bomber losses led the RAF to abandon daylight operations for its heavy bombers.

How did the Winter War influence Allied planning?

The Soviet Union's attack on Finland in the Winter War generated strong public support for Finland in Britain and France. This led to debates about sending an expeditionary force to aid Finland, which indirectly contributed to Germany's decision to invade Norway.

What was the consequence for the Soviet Union following its invasion of Finland?

As a result of its aggression against Finland, the Soviet Union was expelled from the League of Nations, highlighting the international condemnation of its actions.

Why did Édouard Daladier resign as Prime Minister of France in March 1940?

Daladier resigned partly due to his government's failure to provide effective defense for Finland during the Winter War, which was a significant public concern in France and contributed to a loss of confidence.

What was Operation Weserübung?

Operation Weserübung was the codename for the German invasion of Denmark and Norway, which commenced on April 9, 1940. Germany sought to secure these territories and their strategic ports and iron ore supplies.

How did the Allied campaign in Norway unfold?

Allied troops landed in Norway from April 14 onwards, but by the end of the month, southern Norway was under German control. Fighting continued in the north until early June, when the Allies evacuated due to the German invasion of France, leading to the surrender of Norwegian forces.

What political event in Britain was triggered by the failure of the Allied campaign in Norway?

The debacle in Norway led to a heated debate in the House of Commons, resulting in Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's resignation on May 10, 1940. Winston Churchill succeeded him, forming a new coalition government.

What was the significance of the Admiral Graf Spee's scuttling in Montevideo?

The German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee was scuttled in Montevideo in December 1939 after being damaged in the Battle of the River Plate. The German navy incorrectly believed a superior British fleet was waiting for its departure, leading to its destruction rather than facing capture.

What was Operation Wikinger, and what happened during it?

Operation Wikinger was a sortie by German destroyers into the North Sea in February 1940 to disrupt British fishing and submarine activity. The mission was aborted after two destroyers were lost due to mines and friendly fire from the Luftwaffe, resulting in nearly 600 German sailors killed.

What was the RAF's approach to strategic bombing during the Phoney War, and why?

The RAF was prepared for strategic bombing but was apprehensive about German retaliation. Following President Roosevelt's proposal for a ban on bombing that might endanger civilians, Britain and France agreed, leading the RAF to conduct primarily reconnaissance and propaganda leaflet flights instead of bombing industrial targets.

What were the "pamphlet raids" or "Confetti War"?

These were terms used in the British press to describe the RAF's reconnaissance and propaganda leaflet flights over Germany during the Phoney War. They reflected the limited nature of aerial operations and the reluctance to engage in full-scale bombing.

What was the German military's assessment of the Western Front's state during the Polish invasion?

German commanders believed that the Western Front was only lightly defended by a "military screen" during the Polish invasion. They assessed that if France had attacked in force, the German army could only have held out for a short period, potentially one or two weeks.

What was the significance of the Battle of the River Plate during the Phoney War?

The Battle of the River Plate in December 1939 was a significant naval engagement where British cruisers engaged the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee. Although the Graf Spee inflicted damage, it was later scuttled.

What was the purpose of the Allied naval blockade of Germany?

The naval blockade was implemented to prevent Germany from importing essential food and raw materials needed to sustain its war effort, aiming to cripple its economy and war-making capacity.

How did the Soviet Union assist Germany in bypassing the Allied blockade?

The Soviet Union helped Germany by supplying goods that bypassed the Allied naval blockade, thereby mitigating its effects on the German economy.

What was the "Western betrayal" mentioned in the "See also" section?

The "Western betrayal" likely refers to the perceived failure of the Western Allies (Britain and France) to provide substantial military support to Poland during its invasion, a key characteristic and criticism of the Phoney War period.

What was the Saar Offensive intended to achieve for Poland?

The Saar Offensive was intended to assist Poland by diverting German troops from the Polish Front, thereby relieving pressure on Polish forces.

What was the French Army's initial plan regarding mobilization and offensive action?

According to the Franco-Polish Alliance, the French Army was to begin preparations for a major offensive three days after mobilization started, with an all-out assault planned for the 15th day of mobilization.

How many French divisions were involved in the initial phase of the Saar Offensive?

Approximately 40 divisions were planned for the offensive, including armored, mechanized, and artillery regiments, along with tank battalions, indicating a significant planned commitment.

What territory did the French Army advance into during the Saar Offensive?

The French advanced into the Saarland, moving up to 8 kilometers (5.0 miles) into German territory and capturing about 20 villages that had been evacuated by the German army.

What specific German territory did the French halt their advance at during the Saar Offensive?

The French halted their advance after seizing the Warndt Forest, an area of 7.8 square kilometers (3.0 sq mi) of heavily mined German territory.

What was the nature of the Luftwaffe's aerial actions against Britain during the Phoney War?

The Luftwaffe launched air raids targeting British warships and naval bases, beginning in October 1939. These included raids on Rosyth and Scapa Flow, though they were often met with effective British air defense.

What was the outcome of the Luftwaffe's raid on Rosyth on October 16, 1939?

During the raid on Rosyth, Spitfires from RAF Squadrons 602 and 603 successfully shot down two Ju 88s and one Heinkel He 111 over the Firth of Forth, demonstrating effective British air defense.

What was the significance of Archie McKellar during the early air actions?

Archie McKellar, a pilot for 602 Squadron, was credited with destroying the first German aircraft over water and over British soil during the Phoney War. He later became an "ace in a day" during the Battle of Britain, highlighting his skill.

What was the purpose of Operation Wikinger?

Operation Wikinger was a sortie by German destroyers into the North Sea aimed at disrupting British fishing and submarine activity. However, it resulted in significant losses for the German destroyers due to mines and friendly fire.

What was the German perspective on the potential impact of a French attack in September 1939?

According to German commanders like Alfred Jodl and Wilhelm Keitel, Germany's ability to avoid collapse in 1939 was largely due to the inactivity of the Western Allies. They believed a determined French attack could have overwhelmed their lightly defended forces.

What was the significance of the Battle of the River Plate during the Phoney War?

The Battle of the River Plate was a key naval engagement where British cruisers fought the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee. Although the Graf Spee inflicted damage, it was forced to seek refuge and was later scuttled, marking a significant early naval success for the Allies.

What was the German reaction to Allied discussions about a Scandinavian campaign?

Allied discussions about potentially intervening in Scandinavia, particularly Norway, raised concerns within Germany. This prompted Germany to accelerate its own plans to invade Denmark and Norway to secure its iron ore supply route.

What was the "Twilight War"?

"Twilight War" was another name used for the Phoney War, notably by Winston Churchill. It reflects the period's ambiguous state between declared war and active large-scale combat.

What was the German military's assessment of the Western Front's state during the Polish invasion?

German commanders believed that the Western Front was only lightly defended by a "military screen" during the Polish invasion. They assessed that if France had attacked in force, the German army could only have held out for a short period, potentially one or two weeks.

What was the outcome of the Luftwaffe's raid on Wilhelmshaven on September 4, 1939?

The daylight bombing raid by the RAF on Kriegsmarine warships in Wilhelmshaven proved to be a costly failure, with seven bombers lost and no ships hit, leading to a reassessment of aerial tactics.

What was the significance of the sinking of HMS Courageous?

The sinking of the British aircraft carrier HMS Courageous by the German submarine U-29 on September 17, 1939, was the first loss of a British warship in World War II and highlighted the immediate dangers of the Battle of the Atlantic.

What was the significance of the sinking of HMS Royal Oak?

The sinking of the British battleship HMS Royal Oak in the fleet base at Scapa Flow by the German submarine U-47 on October 14, 1939, was a major blow to the Royal Navy and demonstrated the vulnerability of even secure naval bases.

Phoney War Wiki: The Long Wait: An Examination of the Phoney War

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Overview

Defining the Period

The Phoney War refers to the eight-month interval at the beginning of World War II, spanning from roughly September 1939 to May 1940. During this time, there was a conspicuous lack of significant Allied military land operations against Germany on the Western Front. While World War II commenced on September 1, 1939, with the German and Soviet invasion of Poland, the subsequent declarations of war by the United Kingdom and France on September 3 ushered in this period of relative quiet.

Global Context

Following the invasion of Poland, the Western Allies implemented economic warfare, notably a naval blockade against Germany, and engaged in diplomatic maneuvering. Despite these actions, the land front remained largely static. This strategic pause allowed both sides time to mobilize resources and formulate plans, but it also fostered a sense of unease and uncertainty across Europe, contributing to the period's unique character.

The War Begins, But Quietly

Although declarations of war were made, the anticipated large-scale ground conflict did not immediately materialize. This inactivity contrasted sharply with the rapid and decisive campaigns seen elsewhere, such as the invasion of Poland. The term "Phoney War" emerged to describe this peculiar state of affairs, highlighting the discrepancy between the formal state of war and the limited actual combat operations.

Terminology

"Phoney War"

This term, likely originating from an Americanism, gained traction due to its use by U.S. Senator William Borah in September 1939, who commented on the inactivity, stating, "There is something phoney about this war." The British spelling ("phoney") became the preferred variant, possibly to distinguish it from the earlier Boer War.

"Sitzkrieg"

In German, the period was known as Sitzkrieg, translating to "sitting war." This term was coined by the British press as a wordplay on the German term Blitzkrieg ("lightning war"), emphasizing the static nature of the conflict on the Western Front.

"Drôle de guerre"

The French referred to this period as the drôle de guerre, which translates to "funny" or "strange" war. This reflects the unusual and unsettling atmosphere of a declared war with minimal direct engagement.

"Twilight War"

Winston Churchill famously described this period as the "Twilight War," capturing the sense of uncertainty and the transition between peace and full-scale conflict.

Strategic Considerations

Allied Planning

In the lead-up to the war, Britain and France formalized plans based on a strategy of defensive posture and economic warfare. The objective was to build up military resources and achieve naval superiority over Germany, allowing time for these strengths to mature. Initially, Britain committed only two divisions to France, with plans for two more later, reflecting a cautious approach.

Polish Expectations

The Polish defense plan, known as Plan West, critically relied on the assumption that the Allies would launch a significant offensive on the Western Front to relieve pressure. However, the passivity observed during the Phoney War rendered this assumption invalid, leaving Poland to face the German onslaught largely alone.

German Vulnerability

Post-war analysis revealed that Germany's forces were vulnerable during the initial Polish campaign. German military leaders acknowledged that a determined French offensive could have significantly impacted the war's trajectory. The limited French action, the Saar Offensive, was insufficient to exploit this perceived weakness.

The Saar Offensive

Limited Engagement

The Saar Offensive, commencing on September 7, 1939, represented the sole significant land action undertaken by the Allies during the Phoney War. French forces advanced into Germany's Saarland region against relatively weak German defenses, as the bulk of the Wehrmacht was engaged in Poland.

Halting Advance

Despite an initial advance of several kilometers and the capture of evacuated villages, the offensive was halted after securing the Warndt Forest. The Anglo-French Supreme War Council, meeting at Abbeville on September 12, decided to cease all offensive actions. French troops were ordered to maintain a distance from the Siegfried Line, effectively ending any immediate support for Poland.

Inconclusive Outcome

The Saar Offensive failed to divert significant German forces from the Polish front. The subsequent withdrawal of French troops and the decision to fight a defensive war contributed significantly to the perception of the Phoney War's inactivity.

Winter War & Norway

Soviet Aggression

The Phoney War period coincided with the Soviet Union's invasion of Finland on November 30, 1939, initiating the Winter War. Public opinion in France and Britain strongly favored Finland, leading to discussions about potential military intervention.

Allied Plans & German Response

A proposed Franco-British expeditionary force was considered for Scandinavia. However, these plans were delayed and ultimately redirected. The Allies' discussions about occupying Norway, driven partly by the need to secure iron ore supplies vital to Germany, alarmed Berlin. This led Germany to launch Operation Weserübung, the invasion of Denmark and Norway, in April 1940, preempting Allied intervention.

Missed Opportunity

The intervention forces arrived too late to aid Finland effectively, as the Winter War concluded in March 1940. The troops were subsequently deployed to Norway, but the campaign there also ended in Allied evacuation by June, ceding Norway to German control.

Naval and Air Encounters

Battle of the Atlantic

While the land front was quiet, naval warfare, particularly the Battle of the Atlantic, was active. Notable incidents included the sinking of the British liner SS *Athenia* on September 3, 1939, by a German U-boat, marking the beginning of this prolonged struggle. The British implemented a naval blockade of Germany, countered by a German blockade and Soviet supply assistance.

Key Naval Losses

Significant naval losses occurred, including the British aircraft carrier HMS *Courageous* sunk by U-29 in September 1939 and HMS *Royal Oak* sunk by U-47 in Scapa Flow in October 1939. The Battle of the River Plate in December 1939 saw the German pocket battleship *Admiral Graf Spee* damaged and later scuttled.

Air Raids and Propaganda

The Luftwaffe conducted air raids on British warships, notably at Rosyth and Scapa Flow. However, early RAF daylight bombing raids on German naval bases proved costly and ineffective, leading to the abandonment of such operations. Both sides engaged in aerial reconnaissance and dropped propaganda leaflets, termed "pamphlet raids" or the "Confetti War" by the British press, reflecting the limited nature of aerial combat.

Political Ramifications

British Government Change

The perceived failures and inaction during the Phoney War, particularly the Allied campaign in Norway, led to a critical debate in the British House of Commons. Despite a vote of confidence, Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's position became untenable.

Churchill's Ascension

On May 10, 1940, Winston Churchill, a vocal critic of appeasement, succeeded Chamberlain as Prime Minister. He formed a new coalition government, signaling a shift towards a more resolute prosecution of the war effort.

The End of the Wait

German Offensive

The Phoney War concluded abruptly on May 10, 1940, when Germany launched its invasion of France and the Low Countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg). This marked the beginning of the intense Battle of France.

Italy Enters the War

Coinciding with the invasion of France, Fascist Italy declared war on June 10, 1940, hoping to gain territory from a defeated France. However, Italian military performance proved largely ineffective.

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References

"France Falls". The World at War. Thames TV (1973).

"Osteel - Ein ostfriesisches Dorf im Zweiten Weltkrieg" Lars Zimmermann, Tredition 2016, 4. Luftangriffe.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Phoney War Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical analysis or military strategy consultation. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified historians or military analysts for specific needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Long Wait

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

⏳ Defining the Period

🌍 Global Context

⚔️ The War Begins, But Quietly

Terminology 🗣️

🇬🇧 "Phoney War"

🇩🇪 "Sitzkrieg"

🇫🇷 "Drôle de guerre"

🇬🇧 "Twilight War"

Strategic Considerations 🗺️

🇬🇧🇫🇷 Allied Planning

🇵🇱 Polish Expectations

🇩🇪 German Vulnerability

The Saar Offensive ⚔️

➡️ Limited Engagement

🛑 Halting Advance

📉 Inconclusive Outcome

Winter War & Norway ❄️

🇫🇮 Soviet Aggression

🇳🇴 Allied Plans & German Response

📉 Missed Opportunity

Naval and Air Encounters 🚢

🌊 Battle of the Atlantic

💥 Key Naval Losses

✈️ Air Raids and Propaganda

Political Ramifications 🏛️

🇬🇧 British Government Change

👑 Churchill's Ascension

The End of the Wait 💥

🚀 German Offensive

🇮🇹 Italy Enters the War

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

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Explore More Topics

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Defining the Period

Global Context

The War Begins, But Quietly

Terminology

"Phoney War"

"Sitzkrieg"

"Drôle de guerre"

"Twilight War"

Strategic Considerations

Allied Planning

Polish Expectations

German Vulnerability

The Saar Offensive

Limited Engagement

Halting Advance

Inconclusive Outcome

Winter War & Norway

Soviet Aggression

Allied Plans & German Response

Missed Opportunity

Naval and Air Encounters

Battle of the Atlantic

Key Naval Losses

Air Raids and Propaganda

Political Ramifications

British Government Change

Churchill's Ascension

The End of the Wait

German Offensive

Italy Enters the War

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice