WWII – European Theater Causes

Direct Causes of WWII Historians argue WWII was a continuation of World War I, yet there are some specific causes to the Second World War, all of which could not have been possible without the rise of Hitler and his Nazis. When WWI ended, Germany was made into a republic. Chancellor Hindenburg was its leader. The country had to report regularly to the Allies. Being “controlled” by the Allies left a bitter taste with most Germans.

The Treaty of Versailles After WWI, the Treaty of Versailles laid almost impossible conditions upon the German volk (people). Reducing the army to 100,000 men and taking land from Germany, especially the Rhineland, greatly reduced morale. Forcing responsibility upon the Germans for starting the War was also painful. But the most disastrous condition was the war reparations they had to pay a big fine. $55,000,000,000 to be paid over a period of 42 years in addition to a 12% tax on German exports

The League of Nations One positive thing came out of Versailles. It was the creation of an international “government” that would prevent wars by settling disputes between nations through peaceful talks. Unfortunately, the League of Nations fell apart because of a number of problems, all of which are another direct cause of WWII. The sign reads "This League of Nations Bridge was designed by the President of the U.S.A." Cartoon from Punch magazine, 10 December 1920, satirising the gap left by the USA not joining the League.

Problems With the League of Nations The League did not include every nation. Nations could choose to join or not. Decisions required that all countries agree, a rare occurrence. It was unable to prevent major incidents like Japan invading Manchuria, or Italy from attacking Ethiopia. No military US was not a member No way of enforcing arms limitations on Germany Economic Depression made many nations fearful of intervention Fear of another war led to appeasement

The Great Depression Another cause to the Second World War was the Great Depression. The stock-market crash of 1929 was a global event that caused people to lose their jobs and often commit suicide. They lost all hope. Governments also fell as people chose rulers that promised hope and prosperity—dictatorships. Germany thus accepted Hitler because he promised not to pay the war fine and to create jobs.

Italy becomes Aggressive: Invasion of Ethiopia Mussolini - new Roman Empire. In 1935, he invaded Ethiopia & was condemned by Western powers League of Nations does nothing

Germany - Hitler's Goals Rearmament of Germany Expansion of Lebensraum: Living space for German People Re-unification with Austria Secure Eastern Border: Poland & USSR

Hitler Defies Treaty of Versailles 1935 creation of the Luftwaffe (air force) Draft -army from 100,000 to 550,000 troops. Saw Western states as weak & would not enforce the restrictions of Versailles Sent troops into the demilitarized Rhineland. Britain began policy of appeasement.

Alliances – Italy and Germany In 1936, Hitler and Mussolini became allied through the Rome - Berlin Axis. Hitler also wanted to re-establish the Anchluss with Austria, but the Treaty of Versailles forbade it. However, because of Britain’s concern over events in China, Hitler took a gamble that they would do nothing and on March 12, 1938 he began invading Austria.

Anchluss Anschluss was the Nazi propaganda term for the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany in March 1938.  “Not a shot was fired, and the German army entered Austria with bands playing and soldiers smiling.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6Wa4BL28OM

The Sudetenland - Sept. 30, 1938 Sudetenland was an obvious region to acquire for the Nazis: Germans lived there, and there was an abundance of natural resources. Leaders of Nazi Germany, Great Britain, France and Italy signed an agreement that allowed the Nazis to annex the Sudetenland Of course, once this province was given in appeasement, it was only a matter of time before Hitler would set his sights on all of the country.

Czechoslovakia - March 15, 1939 Only weeks after Germany invaded Austria, Hitler set his sights on taking-over Czechoslovakia. Czechoslovakia was a country that rose after WWI. It was made up of various ethnic groups including Czechs, Slovaks and Germans, who lived mostly in the Sudeten province near Germany.

What is Europe doing during all of this? Britain was concerned with their ports in China as Japan was invading. France feared a war with Germany. The Soviet Union was at war with Japan. Once it became clear that the League of Nations was about to do nothing, Britain decides to act. British PM, Neville Chamberlain agrees to appease Hitler.

Nazi—Soviet Pact On August 23, 1939, Hitler and Stalin signed the Nazi—Soviet Pact. Though Hitler hated Communism, the need for his lebensraum made it necessary for him to have land. He chose Poland. Hitler promised Stalin that if he invaded Poland, he would eliminate the “undesirables” and give Stalin the eastern part of the country. Stalin agreed, and actually invades Poland from the east.

Poland - September 1, 1939 On this date, Hitler invades Poland. The world is shocked. Chamberlain is appalled. Britain and France declare war on Germany two days later, but do not immediately act. They waited to see if Hitler would do more, which he did not for 3 months This becomes known as the Phony War.

World War II Begins Axis Powers Allies Germany Austria Japan Italy Great Britain France Canada China United States (from 1941) USSR (from 1941) Axis Powers Germany Austria Japan Italy USSR (until 1941)