Man, I hate it that I am still learning IGCSE History for the sake of the IB kids even though I am already at the AS Level.

The League of Nations and Nazi Germany has no relevance with the AS/A Level at all. But because our History classes are combined with the IB, we have to learn IB syllabus. Nothing on the Cold War which is the AS Level syllabus has been taught throughout the year and two A Level students are expected to sit for the AS History in November. This sucks big time.

Anyway, I need some background information as to Nazi Germany's readiness for WWII. How was Germany's military strength (air, land, sea) compared to Britain's?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

As there doesn't seem to be much that easily answers your question, I will give a short summary.

The short answer is that on land and in the air Germany's strength was greatly superior. The German army was much larger, with many more tanks. Britain had only started to expand its army just before the outbreak of war. Many of its men were not yet fully trained and British industry was struggling to equip them. The Luftwaffe had more aeroplanes than the RAF and the 'planes themselves were generally of a more modern design. The German air force had benefited from recent combat experience in the Spanish Civil War.

In naval terms the British had a substantial advantage. The Royal Navy outnumbered the Kriegsmarine in most classes of vessels, especially in capital ships (batleships and battlecruisers) and aircraft carriers. Moreover, Britain's geographical position gave it the advantage over a Germany limited to the Baltic and the North Sea. Unfortunately, the British underestimated their ability to deal with German submarines (U-boats) and their seaborne trade was therefore vulnerable.

However, you need to remember that Germany had to consider French military strength as well as that of Britain and her Empire. The Allies were intending to fight a long defensive war as they gradually built up their strength: eventually Germany would be defeated. Germany's armed forces and economy, particularly the air force, were geared to fighting a short decisive war. If Germany couldn't win quickly, it was unlikely that she would win at all.

I hope that this helps.

A little late in replying but does the information on this page of my website help?