1. Homework WW #1 due Wednesday.

2. Aim #1: How did World War II begin in Europe? Do Now: – By the summer of 1939, which territories in Europe had Hitler conquered? – How had Britain and France responded to Hitler’s military aggression? Was this policy successful? Explain.

3. I. Hitler Prepares for War A. By August of 1939, Hitler has conquered the Rhineland, Austria, and Czechoslovakia. Now, he wants to invade Poland. Which powerful country might feel most directly threatened by a Nazi invasion of Poland? Why?

4. I. Hitler Prepares for War B. Hitler wants support from Stalin in the Soviet Union before he invades Poland. Describe what you see in this political cartoon? According to this political cartoon, what has occurred? Why is the situation depicted in this cartoon surprising?

5. I. Hitler Prepares for War C. On August 23, 1939, Hitler and Stalin sign a non-aggression pact. They agreed not to attack one another and to divide up Poland between them.

6. II. The War Starts A.On September 1, 1939, Hitler invades Poland. Poland is defeated in a few weeks. B.On September 3, Great Britain and France declare war on Germany. Poland is the “spark” that starts World War II! C.Great Britain and France are the Allies again. Germany, Italy and Japan are the Axis.

7. World War II in Europe (1940-1941)

8. Concluding Question Was the start of World War II inevitable? Is there anything Britain or France could have done to prevent this war?