Blitzkrieg is a German term which stands for "lightning war". http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/blitzkrieg.htm It is a famous military strategy, first employed by Nazi Germany during World War 2, which focuses on using mechanized forces,most notably tanks and aircraft, to break through an enemy's defensive line, and quickly surround and paralyze the opponent. Blitzkrieg was deployed all throughout the Second World War by the Germans, and proved to be incredibly potent.

Blitzkrieg is significant for two major reasons. For one, Blitzkrieg was instrumental in allowing Nazi Germany to "win" the first half of the war, even though they were faced with much larger, and much better equipped mechanized, and infantry forces. Second, Blitzkrieg revolutionized warfare to this very day, through showing the inefficiency of infantry-based armies and tactics, and the growing advantages of mechanized forces.

1. Before the attack, intelligence would be gathered either through air reconnaissance or spies within the local population http://www.2worldwar2.com/blitzkrieg.htm
2. Tanks would break the defensive line on the ground, in two major points
3. The German air force (Luftwaffe) would protect the tanks from above, by destroying major defensive encampments, usually artillery
4. The tanks then allowed the following light infantry, and mechanized infantry (motorcycles, armored cars) to exploit the areas broken through by the tanks
5. The tanks would continue pushing deep into enemy territory, protected by the air, and providing protection for the following infantry
6. Important locations, such as telegraph lines and phone stations were quickly captured or destroyed
7. The enemy forces between the two "pincers" of tanks and infantry were then surrounded and destroyed http://www.2worldwar2.com/blitzkrieg.htm

• Incredibly well organized, through pre-attack intelligence gathering, and military logistics
• Fast, with a strong element of surprise
• Very efficient and up-to-date, through use of radios and "mobile" headquarters
• Nobody saw it coming, or thought of a similar strategy
• The rest of Europe was still using infantry-based tactics, even though they had large mechanized forces themselves http://www.2worldwar2.com/blitzkrieg.htm

• Strong reliance on good weather
• Strong reliance on good infrastructure
• Strong reliance on large quantities of fuel and other resources
• Strong reliance on a flat landscape for the tanks
• Strong reliance on air superiority, which switched to the Allies later in the War http://www.2worldwar2.com/blitzkrieg.htm