Chapter 4- The Beginnning of the Disaster Summary and Analysis

In May 1939, Germany annexes the rest of Czechoslovakia. Czech tank production is somewhat useful to Germany. Hitler's next target is Poland. Guderian is given the command of the XIX Army Corps. His task is to cross the River Brahe and cut off the Polish Corridor from the rest of Poland. The attack is delayed but is launched on September 1st, after the signing of a non-aggression pact with the Soviet Union. Guderian advances with his men in an armored car over the River Brahe. On Sept. 3rd, Guderian's troops reach their goal of the Vistula River and have smashed the enemy. Meanwhile, England and France declare war on Germany.

Hitler visits the troops and is astonished that tanks have destroyed whole Polish artillery positions. Guderian is gratified to reach...