In 1939-42, the Germans ushered in a new era in warfare with their theory of the Blitzkrieg, or Lightning War. The effect was crushing, with the Wehrmacht triumphant in Poland, Norway, the Low Countries, and France, and Rommel winning great victories against the British in Africa. This military history explores the conflict in Europe and North Africa, from the invasion of Poland in September 1939 to the Battle of El Alamein in 1942. Detailed maps explaining the movement of forces complement authoritative text, and illustrations show the uniforms, armored fighting vehicles, aircraft, and ships used in the campaign.