- Poland: Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, starting World War II. Within weeks, Poland was defeated and divided between Germany and the Soviet Union.
- Denmark and Norway: Germany invaded Denmark and Norway on April 9, 1940. Denmark was quickly occupied, while Norway resisted for two months before being defeated.
- Luxembourg and Belgium: Germany invaded Luxembourg and Belgium on May 10, 1940. Luxembourg was quickly occupied, while Belgium resisted for 18 days before being defeated.
- The Netherlands: Germany invaded the Netherlands on May 10, 1940. The Netherlands resisted for five days before being defeated.
- France: Germany invaded France on May 10, 1940. France was defeated in six weeks, and the country was divided between Germany and the collaborationist Vichy government.
- Yugoslavia and Greece: Germany invaded Yugoslavia and Greece in April 1941. Yugoslavia was defeated in 11 days, while Greece resisted for three weeks before being defeated.
- The Soviet Union: Germany invaded the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941. The Soviets were initially defeated, but they eventually recovered and defeated Germany in 1945.