Countries Germany Invaded in WW2

For Hitler, this fulfilled two aims. One was to unite the German speaking people of this region with Germany, supporting his goal of a larger, united German nation.

A move known as Anschluss, the rightful expansion of German borders

An easy target, with agricultural land and a small population

Convenience, rather than strategy - military stronghold in the north

A neutral country that had vital trade routes with ports in the North Atlantic

Not France, but used to invade France

Invading Belgium broke a treaty, and Hitler feared retaliation from this country

They've hated each other for over a century, but a treaty with Poland 'justified' this invasion for Hitler

These islands were closer to France than to the mainland, and were convenient to occupy

Opposed to the ideology of this country, and although they were allies.

Technically, this country was invaded by the Axis and the Allies in 1943.