1. Beginnings of WWII

2. Beginning of the Conflict
2nd Sino-Japanese War ( ) and Hitler’s annexation of Austria alert democratic countries
War near certainty when Czechoslovakia was invaded in March 1939
No end to German expansion

3. Beginning of the Conflict
Aug Treaty of Non-Aggression
Hitler and Stalin agree to simultaneously invade Poland
Free Soviet reign in Baltic States
Sep. 1- Hitler invades W. Poland and occupies city of Danzig
France and Britain declare war shortly afterwards

4. Initial U.S. Reaction Majority of citizens want to maintain neutrality
Improved aircraft left both U.S. and Panama vulnerable to invasion

5. The Rainbow Plans
Series of hypothetical war plans for facing any hostile nation
E.g. War Plan ORANGE = war against Japan

6. South American Republic
Japan
Germany
Philippines
Cuba
China
Iceland
South American Republic
Latin America
Domestic U.S.
France
Mexico
Britain/Canada

7. Initial U.S. Reaction
State of emergency (limited) declared
Increase enlisted strengths in Army and Nat. Guard
Inaction after Poland led to a lull in preparation
Focus on updating equipment and conducting genuine army maneuvers