Axis Aggression Around the World 1931-1939

Manchuria (1931) Northern province of China Japanese problem – overpopulation and lack of natural resources. Military take over “League of Nations” – impose sanctions (restrictions) – slap on the wrist 1937 Japan invades China proper – Peking / Shanghai / Nanking Most famous is the Rape of Nanking- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_XzRaEAer4

Germany- Hitler Assumes Power (1933) German Economic decline in 1920’s – Hitler and Germans in general resent the Treaty of Versailles Bullying tactics – Jews to blame “Brown shirts” – supporters of Hitler Took control of the legislature (1933) First concentration camps http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2YEUhHFMHY

Ethiopia (1935) Mussolini expansionist goals “The Country is Nothing without Conquest”- This means he is a what? Invade the African nation of Ethiopia League of Nations branded Italy an aggressor a. Economic sanctions (minor) b. No embargo on most essential import (Oil) c. Sanctions were very weak 4. Italy not concerned and still annexed Ethiopia

German Remilitarization (1935-36) Violated Treaty of Versailles a. Reintroducing conscription- compulsory service in the army b. Remilitarizing the Rhineland (location between France and Germany) No Allied effort to enforce Treaty of Versailles Germany’s military strength was still suspect, Allies not overly concerned

Spain 1936 General Francisco Franco – leads revolt against legal government (legal government was supported by Russia) Franco support from Italy and Germany Spain was to be a testing ground for new weapons Spanish Civil War ends with Franco victory Remain neutral during World War II

China - 1937 Japan drives down through mainland Chinese Civil War between Nationalists and Communists 1940 Japan controlled most of eastern China

Austria - 1938 Hitler invades and annexes Austria on the grounds that all German-speaking people belonged within one German nation Anschluss union of Germany and Austria violated WW I peace treaty - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t75ldUNc2Xw

Czechoslovakia - 1938 Sudetenland Region in Czech bordering on Germany – inhabited with German speaking people Sudetens not oppressed by Hitler – stories of atrocities (propaganda) - Czech. Govt. refused to yield – alliance with Russia, France, and Britain

Munich Conference Great Britain – Neville Chamberlain France – Edouard Daladier Italy – Mussolini Germany - Hitler

Meeting at Munich Germany Allowed Hitler to annex the Sudetenland Hitler – promise not to demand any more territory “Peace in our Time” – Chamberlain Concept known as “appeasement”- giving in to a demand, in order for your enemy to stop doing bad things

Seizure of Czechoslovakia Six months later Hitler seized the rest of Czechoslovakia France / Great Britain– now have no trust in Hitler F/GB promise protection to the next probable victim – Poland

Europe Goes to War Chamberlain’s Appeasement was a failure Great Britain and France pledge to protect Poland Germany / Soviet Union 10 Year – Non-Aggression Pact (August, 1939) - Prevents Germany from having to fight war on two fronts Invasion of Poland – Sept 1st, 1939 Kickstarts the Lightning War – “Blitzkrieg” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ha0qKquG2E France and GB declare war on Germany – September 3rd, 1939

Albania - 1939 Annexed by Mussolini Italy control of the Adriatic Sea

War in the West Quiet period after fall of Poland American press call it a “phony war” France fortifies its defenses “Maginot Line” Phony war comes to an end – April 9, 1940 – attack on Denmark and Norway May 10th blitz of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg Invasion of Northern France – splitting France forces in half – all the way to the English channel

Miracle at “Dunkirk” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-ni8Nz8j04 Fall of France abandoned Paris – June 10, 1940 France surrenders – June 22nd, 1940 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=003iC7VZmYc

Battle of Britain August - September 1940 – Greatest air assault in World War II begins - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCfRxcIDIIs Luftwaffe (German Air Force) vs. Royal Air Force (British Air Force) Rules of War Bombing of London (Berlin in retaliation) Break Hitler’s code Bombings end – 1941 Will of British civilians – helped salvage the war

Two Major Axis Mistakes Germany attacks the Soviet Union in June of 1941 Japanese attack U.S. at Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7th 1941 “A Day that will live in Infamy” - Pearl Harbor scene U.S. Declares war on Dec. 8th, 1941 Retaliation to Japan Fear of Germany- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QT8MEXdr6tw