Phoney War
Background
The Phoney War was a phase in the early part of World War II that was marked by a lack of major military operations by the Western Allies (the United Kingdom and France) against the German Reich. This eight-month period, lasting from September 1939 to April 1940, saw the belligerents of the Western Front essentially maintaining a defensive posture, with little to no direct conflict.
Origin of the Term
The term "Phoney War" is derived from the word "phony", meaning not genuine or fraudulent. It was used to describe this period because, despite the nations being officially at war, there was no significant fighting or military operations. The term was reportedly first used by journalists in the United States and is similar to the German term "Sitzkrieg" (sitting war) and the French term "drôle de guerre" (funny or strange war).
Prelude to the Phoney War
The Phoney War began after the German invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939. The United Kingdom and France declared war on Germany on September 3, but there was no immediate military response. This lack of action led to the period becoming known as the Phoney War.
Military Operations
Despite the lack of large-scale operations, there were some military actions during the Phoney War. The British Royal Navy enforced a naval blockade against Germany, and there were some minor skirmishes along the Franco-German border. The most significant event of the Phoney War was the Soviet Union's invasion of Finland in November 1939, known as the Winter War.
End of the Phoney War
The Phoney War ended with the German invasion of Denmark and Norway in April 1940, marking the beginning of active hostilities in Western Europe. This was followed by the German invasion of Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and France in May 1940.
Impact and Legacy
The Phoney War had significant impacts on the course of World War II. It allowed both sides to prepare for the forthcoming battles, with Germany building up its forces and the Allies strengthening their defenses. The period also saw significant political developments, including changes in leadership in the United Kingdom and France.