What technology enabled Germany to quickly conquer most of Europe by 1940?

Answer 1

Primarily because the Germans had figured out the right way to use tanks and airplanes. In all the other armies of Europe the doctrines were still those of WWI, that mobility was impossible and that strong fortifications could stop any advance. Tanks and airplanes were just for supporting the infantry. The Germans developed a new tactical system based on the rapid advance of tanks. This gave them vastly greater mobility, they could take a position and be miles into the enemies rear before the enemy even knew the first position had been taken. If you can find a copy of "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" by William L. Schirer, rerad the chapter on the fall of France. He gives a very good description of how effective the new tactics were and how utterly unprepared the French and British were to deal with them. Michael Montagne

Answer 2

The simple answer to this question is: Blitzkrieg!

European armies at the start of World War 2 were very much still feeling the lessons of the first world war, long static lines of defence where heavy artillery and machine gun nests played havoc against advancing infantry and attack after attack was beaten back.

The Blitzkrieg tactics were revolutionary in their approach. Heavy artillery bombardment of an area, followed by pin point airstrikes and a mass assault by armour in a concentrated area would lead to a breaktrough in enemy lines. Fast moving panzer units would then move ahead of the army, destroying all in their path.

An effective resistance was hard to organise, indeed in France the French Generals would draw a defence line only to be informed that the town had already been captured by the Germans.

The Germans Used Blitzkrieg tactics in Russia and were successful at first, but the Russians learnt how to counter the Blitzkrieg, this was acheived through trading space for time, and striking back at the Panzers when they had reached the limit of their advance.

The french did not have time to counter this tactic and succumbed to the Germans. Much the same in the desert where lack of supplies and Britains and Americans learning how to deal with such tactics lead to the downfall of the DAK units

Answer 3

They had a very powerful army. The German army was strict and ruthless. They would act like they were trying to make peace or be friendly, and then they'd sweep in and take over your whole country. Their factories produced some of the best weaponry in the business, and the generals came up with very risky but efficient plans. The army used fear to keep its soldiers in line, and used the same tactic to force countries into submission. Threats of the bombing of the capital cities made officials surrender.

Answer 4

fast-moving armored tanks
Hmm, the tanks did a good job against the cavalry.

Answer 5

Because Poland were unprepared