What military strategy did Germany use at the start of World War II?

The military strategy that Germany employed at the start of World War II was Blitzkrieg, or "lightning war." Blitzkrieg focused on rapid, surprise attacks using a coordinated assault by air and ground forces. This strategy emphasized speed, mobility, and the element of surprise, aiming to disrupt and overwhelm the enemy quickly before they could mount an effective defense.

The German forces utilized tanks, aircraft, and infantry in a synchronized manner, which allowed them to penetrate enemy lines and encircle opposing troops, cutting them off from reinforcements and supply lines. The successful application of Blitzkrieg was evident in the swift conquests of Poland in 1939 and later in the early campaigns against France and the Low Countries, showcasing its effectiveness in achieving quick victories.

In contrast, trench warfare refers to the static and lengthy combat style primarily used during World War I, where opposing forces dug extensive networks of trenches. Guerrilla tactics involve irregular warfare strategies, typically utilized by smaller groups against larger forces, which was not indicative of the organized and mechanized approach taken by the German military in World War II. Defensive maneuvers, while a standard military strategy, do not capture the aggressive and proactive nature of Blitzkrieg that characterized Germany's early World War II campaigns.