The 8th Army was activated on 1 August 1939 with General Johannes Blaskowitz in command.

In 1939 it was part of Gerd von Rundstedt's Army Group South for the Invasion of Poland.

Armeekorps, and was responsible for the northern part of Army Group South's front.

After the conclusion of the Polish campaign, it was reorganized into the 2nd Army which took part in the Battle of France in 1940.

After fierce defensive battles throughout 1943, 1944 and the first months of 1945, it finally surrendered in Austria in 1945.