World War II Notes

What was WWII? Largest war in human history. Involved countries, colonies, and territories around the entire world. By the end, over 70 million were dead. It lasted from 1939 until 1945.

Causes W WI and the Treaty of Versailles A ppeasement R ise of Totalitarianism

WWI and the Treaty of Versailles Germany lost land to surrounding nations (1/6 of its territory) War reparations – Allies collect $ to pay back war debts to US – Germany pays $33 Billion – Germans are embarrassed, guilt ridden, and angry. – High unemployment and runaway inflation Desperate people turn to extreme leaders

Additional Causes of War Failed League of Nations – U.S. didn’t join – Other countries in turmoil without League intervention Great Depression Empire as Solution to Economic Problems Italy – Abyssinia Japan – Manchuria Germany – Eastern Europe

Adolf Hitler Adolf Hitler was born in Austria, served in the German Army during WWI, and published a book titled Mein Kampf or “My Struggle” In his book, Hitler focused on his belief that the most advanced race in the world was the traditional German race, with blond hair, fair skin and blue eyes. He called this the “Aryan” race. »“Every manifestation of human culture, every product of art, science and technical skill, which we see before our eyes today, is almost exclusively the product of Aryan creative power."

Hitler… Mein Kampf also attributed everything bad about society to the rise of the Jewish religion Hitler claimed that all Jews were sneaky, lazy, and had contributed nothing to society He claimed Jewish people were Communists and were seeking to take over the world » What’s contradictory about this statement? When Hitler’s book was published, he was already a well known figure in Germany. Eventually he became the Fuhrer, or leader, of Germany.

Appeasement The policy of making concessions to the dictatorial powers in order to avoid conflict (Giving someone something to make them happy and leave you alone.) Hitler demanded land that wasn’t Germany’s and others gave in Nations were trying to prevent war…it didn’t work. Appeasement just showed Hitler that he could do whatever he wanted.

“Peace in Our Time” Or “Peace at Any Price” Neville Chamberlain

Rise of Totalitarianism Needs of the nation more important than individual rights – Control over all society to promote the ideals of the government – No free speech, media or elections – Government controlled economy – Scapegoats – groups blamed for country’s problems – Often a police state controlled by a political police force that secretly supervises the citizens' activities. A system in which the state and its leader have nearly TOTAL control.

Totalitarianism USSR: Communist Dictatorship Germany & Italy: Fascist Dictatorship Japan: Military Dictatorship

Adolf Hitler- Germany Hideki Tojo - Japan Benito Mussolini-Italy Josef Stalin- USSR

What is Fascism? Political belief that says the individual is less important than the nation Glorifies violence and military power, believes it is needed to “prove” strength of a people Uses nationalism and racism Dictatorships

Europe

How did WWII start? Germany invaded Poland to get lebensraum

What did Hitler Want? Militarism- soon after becoming chancellor he begins rearming Germany, breaking the Treaty of Versailles Rhineland- moves troops into the Rhineland territory again breaking the Treaty of Versailles Lebensraum- “living space” – Austria - annexed peacefully in 1938 – Sudetenland – territory in Czechoslovakia Given to Germany by Great Britain and France – Hitler then invades the rest of Czechoslovakia – On to Poland

How did WWII start? Germany invaded Poland. Britain, France, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada then declare war on Germany. The Allies had agreed to defend Poland if and when Hitler tried to invade. Germany then invades France, Belgium, and on and on Then Hitler invades Russia. Germans use “blitzkrieg” to overwhelm other armies. – Blitzkrieg means “lightening war” in German. – Surround with tanks and troops in trucks.

Who was on each side? Axis Powers Germany Italy Japan Allied Powers Great Britain Soviet Union United States France (Surrendered to Germany in 1940 after 6 weeks)