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The start of the Second World War (1939)

Study note

Adolf Hitler came to power in Germany in 1933 and set about building up the country's armed forces and expanding its territory. The date 1933 for Hitler coming to power is a useful one to fix. The event that finally brought war was his invasion of Poland in 1939, after which Britain and France declared war on Germany.

The Second World War was fought between two main groups. On one side were the Axis powers, made up of fascist Germany, fascist Italy and the Empire of Japan. On the other were the Allies, which included the UK, France, Poland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa. So remember that Germany, Italy and Japan were the Axis powers, while Britain stood with the Allies.

Memory tip: Hitler to power 1933; invades Poland 1939; Britain and France declare war. Axis vs Allies.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 3

What event in 1939 led Britain and France to declare war on Germany?

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Show all questions and answers for The start of the Second World War (1939)(3 questions with explanations)

The start of the Second World War (1939): questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. What event in 1939 led Britain and France to declare war on Germany?

    • The bombing of Pearl Harbor
    • The Battle of Britain
    • Hitler's invasion of Poland
    • The fall of France

    Correct answer: Hitler's invasion of Poland

    Britain and France declared war after Hitler invaded Poland in 1939.

  2. 2. In which year did Adolf Hitler come to power in Germany?

    • 1939
    • 1945
    • 1929
    • 1933

    Correct answer: 1933

    Hitler came to power in Germany in 1933.

  3. 3. Germany, Italy and Japan fought the Second World War as part of which group?

    • The Allied powers
    • The Commonwealth
    • The Central Powers
    • The Axis powers

    Correct answer: The Axis powers

    Germany, Italy and Japan were the main Axis powers.

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