The Lead Up to WWII

Why the rise of dictators prior to WWII? Europe in shambles following WWI High Unemployment Hyperinflation 1930s Worldwide Depression Fear of communism across Europe Germans upset with reparations Totalitarian type governments led by dictators and emphasizing aggressive nationalism gain control in ITALY and GERMANY

Fascism & Naziism Democracy Mussolini Italy FDR United States Hitler Germany Individuals exist to serve Opposite state/nation No criticism of government allowed “ Schools teach fascist philosophy “ and prepare youth for war Press/radio/film/books censored “ Individual liberties denied “ WAR IS THE NOBLEST GOAL “ OF MAN AND A NATION

NAZISM = Fascism with TWO More Ideas - Anti-Semitism Prejudice/Hatred against Jews Ideas about racial superiority claiming that Aryan people of Northern Europe were the master race and all others were lower in the hierarchy

Why did Germany Succumb to Naziism?? Emotional leadership of Hitler & little faith in existing government (Hyperinflation) Fear of Communism was widespread in Europe. Strong leader needed for protection Many Germans wanted a leader willing to reverse the “wrongs” of the Versailles Treaty Lack of military, reparations, lost territory Germany suffered through Depression. Nazi Party had plan to rebuild the economy No group willing to stop force of Nazis once Hitler declared himself leader (FEAR)

Steps to WWII Italy crushes Ethiopia in “test” in 1935. Mussolini promises new Roman Empire Nazis win over 30 seats in German Congress and Hitler appointed Chancellor of Germany In 1933 the Reichstag (Congress) was set on fire Hitler blamed Communists and received emergency powers to deal with “communist revolt”

Steps to WWII Nazis seize Rhineland from France in 1936 as “test”. France does not respond militarily Hitler promises to regain land lost in WWI Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). “Test” ground for Hitler’s equipment, tactics. Japan seized Manchuria in 1931 & attacked China in 1937. (Begin to build empire in the Far East)

Munich Pact Agreement between England/France and Germany which would divide up the Sudetenland (Czech) and give section to Germany Ideas is to APPEASE Hitler Chamberlain (Prime Minister of Britain) declared “Peace in our Time” and believes war in Europe has been avoided.

The Munich Pact and Sudetenland If France/Britain had resisted this negotiation, there was a plan by the German Generals to remove Hitler but this success provided them with confidence in Hitler and two months later the German military took control of all of Czechoslovakia with little resistance

Hitler and the Start WWII Following Munich Pact, Hitler turns attention on Poland September 1, 1939 Germany invades Poland and France/Britain declare war on Germany. WWII BEGINS Russia declares war on Germany as Hitler and Stalin had agreement to share Poland ALLIES: England, France & Russia AXIS: Germany, Italy and Japan

Hitler/Stalin Non-Aggression Pact Hitler violated agreement with Stalin and invaded Polandand took control of entire country – Stalin and Russia will join Allies to fight against Hitler/Germany

German Troops march into Warsaw, Poland 1939

Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Axis, 1940 The Tripartite Pact - Axis Powers of WWII

Hitler and WWII Hitler and Nazis introduce new technique of war Blitzkrieg ( Lightning War) – All out attack by ground and air in attempt to overwhelm opponent into quick surrender. Hitler also introduces war on Jews Holocaust begins in attempt to destroy people of Jewish faith throughout Europe established. 6 million people killed