Blitzkrieg is a German term meaning "lightning war," referring to a military strategy used during World War II. It emphasizes rapid and coordinated attacks using a combination of infantry, tanks, and air support to overwhelm the enemy quickly. The goal is to disrupt and incapacitate the opponent's ability to respond effectively. This tactic was notably employed by Nazi Germany during their invasions of Poland in 1939 and France in 1940. By focusing on speed and surprise, Blitzkrieg aimed to achieve swift victories, minimizing prolonged conflict and reducing casualties for the attacking forces.