Barely 20 years after World War I, the so-called the war to end all wars, World War II shattered the tentative peace between nations. The rise of Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich threatened countries across Europe. German forces invaded Poland on September1, 1939. England and France quickly leapt into the conflict, soon followed by countries and armies around the globe. Soon, technological and nuclear advances made atomic warfare possible. Readers will explore many facets of World War II, from the leaders and commanders who directed forces to the tactics that made a difference in the war. Battle maps and primary sources help make this a well-rounded reading experience.