Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Social Science Practice Test

Germany's invasion of which country led Britain and France to declare war, marking the start of WWII?

1. the Rhineland

2. Poland

3. Sudetenland

4. Austria

The correct answer is: Poland

The correct answer is Poland. Germany's invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, was the key event that triggered Britain and France to declare war on Germany, officially marking the beginning of World War II. The invasion was characterized by the use of blitzkrieg tactics, which combined rapid movement of troops, tanks, and air support. Britain and France had previously declared their intent to support Poland; thus, when Germany violated the Treaty of Versailles by invading Poland, both nations felt compelled to act on their commitments. The other options represent significant events leading up to the war but did not directly cause the declarations of war by Britain and France. The Rhineland was remilitarized by Germany in 1936, the Sudetenland was annexed following the Munich Agreement in 1938, and Austria was annexed by Germany in the Anschluss of 1938. While these events were integral to the buildup of tensions in Europe, they did not invoke the direct military response that occurred after Poland's invasion.