The German lightning war strategy used during World War II is commonly referred to by the anglicized term "Blitzkrieg". A powerful and effective tactic used during World War II by German military planners, the concept of this type of warfare was influenced by British military theorists Major General John Frederick Charles Fuller and Sir Basil Henry Liddell Hart. This blitzkrieg would be fought using modern technology to the full; Radio-equipped tanks supported by mobile artillery, air support and infantry divisions were the key tools in any Blitzkrieg assault. The use of Blitzkrieg has been effective for a multitude of reasons. Ideally, the most vulnerable point of the enemy's defensive lines would be chosen for the assault, and the German spearhead would rush and break through this point. Maximum firepower was maintained throughout the attack. Tanks in mass formations were lined up and charging while aerial bombardment inflicted as much damage as necessary on enemy defensive lines, allowing ground operations to proceed with minimal resistance. The speed with which the assault would begin and complete allowed defensive lines to be destroyed even before enemy reserves were able to counter the attack. Blitzkrieg involved close cooperation between infantry, mobile forces and air force and, as such, was a very expensive tactic. The economy could support this strategy in the short term – whenever decisive victories follow one another quickly. Blitzkrieg would shock, disorientate and demoralize enemy forces, increasing their inability to react to imminent danger. Once the front line was broken, the German spearhead would spread out, secure the flank positions, and quickly penetrate the undefended rear position of the en... middle of paper... force. The French tanks were a match for the German Panzers; however weaker as they were spread out alongside the troops to provide support. Concentrated German armor was much more effective than divided French armour. The French were unable to understand the German Blitzkrieg tactics used so effectively against Poland. Due to the French tendency to stubbornly stick to static warfare, the lightning German offensive managed to completely defeat and overwhelm the French army. French reconnaissance planes reported and King Leopold of Belgium had warned the French High Command of the threat of large German forces moving through the Ardennes forest, but believing this movement to be a small secondary attack of no great significance, the The French High Command had made a grave mistake by allowing Germany to virtually enter France with open doors .