attempted to run out on his promise to Poland and let Hitler get away with it once again, his parliamentary position would be in jeopardy. As his campaign in Poland began he could not have been conscious of the fact that, by taking on the British Empire, he was not guaranteed that his brilliant and brief campaign, which he had become accustom to would become involved and create global conflict. Once Hitler gained control of Poland the other countries in Eastern Europe followed. Romania feared Russia and surrendered economically to Hitler. With the alliance Romania lost some land to Russia, Bessarabia and the northern part of Bukovina. They also lost part of Translvania to Hungary through the Second Vienna Award. Although the loss of land was harmful to Rumania, they drew closer to Germany, because it recognized that Britain was powerless in Eastern Europe and Germany was the only country strong enough to protect the rest of her land from Russia. Hitler was also prepared to aid Rumania due to his interest in the Ploesti oil fields. Without these field Germany could no longer continue the war. All of the southeastern countries, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Hungary, and Rumania, were now under Hitler's political and economical control. This was achieved at little cost for Hitler, who would only have to station a few divisions in Bulgaria to protect the oil fields. Everything seemed to be running smoothly for him until Mussolini decided to go on the offensive in Greece. Mussolini was poorly advised through his prime minister, Ciano, that the military campaign in Greece would be a quick success. Germany was taken completely by surprise by Italy's actions, which she totally disapproved. Hitler had to switch tracks at this time. He had to postpone his final conflict of the ...
