1. Trivia Fun Times Forever and Ever!!!!!
Why is the Spanish Civil War important to understanding WWII?
Who invaded Ethiopia? Why?
What three things can lead to Fascism and Totalitarianism?
How did Japan treat the Chinese in Nanjing?
Today back 1996, what computer company’s supercomputer defeated Garry Kasparov (considered to be best chess player of all time) in chess for the first time.

2. World War II
Overview

3. Europe at War Germany invades Poland
“Official” start date: Sept. 1, 1939
Germany invades Poland
Blitzkrieg: “lightning war” strategy
Air forces soften up target, armored divisions rush in

4. Fall of France
Summer 1940: Germany occupies Denmark, Norway, Belgium, France
Goes through Belgium to defeat France
Bypasses Maginot Line (Defensive structures)
Hitler forces French to sign armistice
Vichy France: puppet government
Led by Henri Petain

5. Battle for Britain
Air war conducted by the German Luftwaffe (Air Force)
40,000 British civilians killed in urban bombing raids
Especially London
Royal Air Force prevents Germans from invading British mainland—critically important

6. Soviet Union
Germany and the Soviet Union sign a “Non-Aggression” pact (1939)
Operation Barbarossa
June 22, 1941 Hitler double-crosses Stalin and invades USSR
Stalin caught off-guard, rapid advance
But severe winter, long supply lines weakened German efforts
Turning point: Battle of Stalingrad (ends February 1943)

7. U.S. Neutrality Neutrality Acts prevent US from taking sides
Franklin Roosevelt believed neutrality encouraged aggression
Lend-Lease: supplied supplies, planes, weapons, etc. to Britain