On your own copy of this picture, add labels to explain what the cartoonist suggests Hitler is doing? Who are the other people in this picture and what does the cartoonist think of them?

Hitler visits a factory and is enthusiastically greeted. Many Germans were grateful for jobs after the misery of he depression years. [Watch WWII in Colour Episode 1: 8.00 – 19.17]

The Rhineland was a region of Germany that was ‘demilitarised’ after the Treaty of Versailles. Germany was not allowed to have troops in the region. Hitler’s actions showed that he was willing to directly challenge the treaty – ‘cause what were the “Allies” going to do about it? Nothing.

Again, this went against the terms of the Treaty of Versailles which banned Germany from uniting with Austria. However, the arrival of German troops was met with great enthusiasm by many Austrian people.

 The world initially tries to appease Hitler – giving him a little in order to prevent war  Neville Chamberlain – British Prime Minister – travels to Germany to ensure that Germany will not seek any more territory.  Hitler agrees to sign the Anglo- German Agreement, basically stating that Germany would never go to war with Britain.  Chamberlain returns triumphantly to Britain, declaring that “the piece of paper I hold in my hand guarantees peace in our time…”peace in our time  War was declared one year later. Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain showing us the definition of irony Click the link!

Hitler had ordered the occupation of a part of Czechoslovakia known as the Sudetenland (in October 1938). Many hoped that that this would be the last conquest of the Nazis. However, in March 1939, he ordered his troops to take over the remainder of Czechoslovakia. This was the first aggressive step that suggested that a war in Europe would soon begin.

Hitler and Stalin (the Russian leader) signed a ‘non-aggression pact’. They promised that neither country would attack the other in the event of war. As part of the deal, Hitler promised Stalin part of Poland, which he planned to invade soon. This photo shows the Russian foreign minister signing the pact, whilst Stalin stands smiling in the background

The non-aggression pact was surprising, as Hitler and Stalin were seen as natural enemies. When Hitler talked of taking over new land for Germany, many thought that he meant Russia. Hitler also hated Communism, the form of government in Russia Hitler Stalin

But, the pact allowed Germany to march into Poland without fear of an attack from Russia. On 3 rd September 1939, Germany invaded Poland and started a War with Britain and France. This was a false flag operation, as German troops dressed as Polish soldiers attacked a radio station on the German side of the border. They left dead “Polish” bodies behind, giving Hitler the justification for war. September 1939: Germany invades Poland German troops marching into Warsaw, the capital of Poland.

 Germany’s Lightning Attack - Blitzkrieg  Britain, France declare war on Germany, but Poland falls quickly  Blitzkrieg—lightning war—Germany’s new military strategy  Planes, tanks, infantry used to surprise enemy and quickly conquer [Show WWII in Colour episode 2: o.42 – Blitzkrieg and the new German army. Poland]

Scandinavia is dragged into WWII early, as Russia moves against Finland. The Finns put up a very good fight, including using specially trained ski- troops. The Allies decide to try and help, but this threatens Germany’s interests in the region (especially iron ore from Sweden). Germany moves quickly, seizing towns and ports all along the Norway and Denmark coastline. Also we get the story of Simo Hayha… November 30, 1939: Russia attacks Finland

German infantry attacking through a burning Norwegian village.

 The Phony War  French, British mobilize along French border, wait for German attack  Many months of no action—the “phony war”  In April 1940 Hitler attacks and quickly captures Denmark and Norway British Ministry of Home Security poster of a type that was common during the Phony War

The German army at first planned to repeat the events of WWI and sweep through Belgium towards Paris. Of course, Britain and France prepared for exactly this. But after a copy of this plan was discovered by the Allies, the Germans changed their idea (see map at right). The blue arrows indicate the maneuvers of the Allies to meet the German blitzkrieg, while the red arrows show the actual path the Germans take. Whoops. Maginot fortifications

In May 1940, Germany used Blitzkrieg tactics to attack France and the Netherlands. British troops were forced to retreat from the beaches of Dunkirk in northern France. Captured British troops, May 1940 [Watch WWII in Colour episode 2: to end – needs ½ hour]

 Rescue at Dunkirk  German forces trap British, French on coast of Dunkirk  British Navy and civilians take ships across the English Channel to rescue soldiers British troops evacuating Dunkirk's beaches. Many stood shoulder deep in water for hours, waiting to board the small vessels and warships.

Britain now stood alone as the last remaining enemy of Hitler’s Germany in Western Europe. Adolf Hitler tours Paris after his successful invasion.

For the following nine months, the German air force (Luftwaffe) launched repeated bombing raids on British towns and cities. This was known as the BLITZ and was an attempt to bomb Britain into submission.

“...We shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end...We shall fight in the seas and oceans...We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing- grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender...” — Winston Churchill

 Germany plans invasion of Britain; begins with air attacks in 1940  British use air force, radar, code-breaking to resist Germany  Battle of Britain—Air war over Britain that lasted until May 1941  Stunned by British resistance, Hitler calls off attacks A pair of 264 Squadron Defiants. (PS-V was shot down on 28 August 1940 over Kent by Bf 109s.)

But in May, 1941, Hitler ordered a change of tactics. He decided to halt the bombing of Britain and launch an attack against Russia. He betrayed Stalin and ignored the promises he had made. This was a bold (but ultimately stupid) move that would prove to be an important turning point in the War.

Firstly, use the timeline to indicate the order of events on your World War II maps. Then answer the following questions: 1) In what ways did Hitler ignore the Treaty of Versailles? 2) At what stage do you think other countries should have attempted to stop Hitler by using force? Why do you think they did not? 3) How was Hitler able to take over Western Europe so quickly? 4) Which specific aspect of the new German war machine was most necessary for success (Luftwaffe, Panzers, leadership)? 5) Why did Hitler create problems for the German army by deciding to invade Russia?