World War II Summarize the effects of dictatorships and policies of aggression in late 1930’s Europe. (Italy, Soviet Union, Germany and Japan) 2. Summarize the American policy of isolationism prior to WWII. Analyze the response of Europe to Hitler’s plan for German expansion. Analyze the American response to the war in Europe. Summarize the events that led to America entering the war.

Why it Matters World War II, the most destructive war in history, resulted in the deaths of more than 40 million people. More than half of the deaths were civilians, including about 6 million Jews and many others that were killed in the Holocaust. At the end of the war, the US emerged as the strongest nation in the world and the possessor of a powerful weapon, the atomic bomb.

The Impact Today World War II marked the beginning of the nation’s roles as a superpower. The war also transformed the American economy into an enormously productive and enduringly prosperous economy.

Rise of Dictators

Mussolini Organized unemployed war veterans into his own private military – Black Shirts they terrorized those opposing his Fascist Party They marched on Rome – Mussolini was the only one who could stop them

Stalin Persecuted “Enemies of the State” those critical of his policies and the Communist Party Thousands executed, millions sent to gulags Countered by propaganda depicting Stalin as a benevolent leader

Japan Thought they could solve Japan’s problems by expanding power in Asia 1931 – launched an attack on the province of Manchuria in northeastern China 1937 – invaded northern China, moving southward until it occupied most of the country 1940 – signed a pact of alliance, known as the “Axis,” with Germany and Italy America stayed out of it…

War in Europe: Germany Since no one said anything about Rhineland… Hitler took Austria, then Sudetenland France and GB were allies of Czechoslovakia.. Munich Conference- Hitler promised to stop so they allowed it (appeasement-policy of giving in to the aggression of another gov’t in order to avoid war) Hitler reneged and took the rest of Czech. the next year

War in Europe: Germany/Soviet Union Poland Nazi-Soviet Pact – agreed not to attack each other, secretly agreed to divide eastern Europe Cavalry vs. planes and tanks, old rifles vs. modern weapons (blitzkrieg – lightning war) Soviets attacked eastern Poland, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia Horses vs Tanks

War in Europe: Germany advances By May,1940 Hitler had taken Denmark, Norway, Holland and Belgium- moved in on France with Italy Britain sent help, but British and French soldiers were trapped at the coast- managed to escape but France surrendered June,1940

War in Europe: Germany vs. Britain Germany dropped bombs on London and other cities “Battle of Britain” British Fighter pilots shot down 2000 German planes After several months of bombing- Hitler gives up his invasion of Britain

FDR and American Policy Neutrality was the official American position FDR’s compromise: -“cash and carry” - 50 old destroyers for Britain for 99yr. leases to military bases America also prepared: - military spending -peacetime draft -FDR ran for and won 3rd term

FDR and American Policy Britain was running out of $$$ FDR fought for greater support of Allies by declaring US the Defender of Democracy 4 Freedoms: Freedom of Speech Freedom of Worship Freedom from Want Freedom from Fear Lend-Lease Act – allowed sales/loans of war materials to any nation deemed vital to defense/safety of the US

FDR and American Policy Atlantic Charter- Agreement between FDR and Churchill not to seek more territory from the war, to support the right of people to choose their gov’t and to create a system of general security.

The US gets pulled in… In June, 1941 – Germany attacks Soviet Union, Soviet Union joins Britain as Allied force Japan had been continuing its aggressive acts in Asia, needed supplies and wanted US to sell oil and scrap metal to them- They met to discuss terms-US refused unless Japan withdrew from China Neither side would compromise- Japan got mad…

Axis vs. Allies Dec. 7th, 1941 – Japan completes a sneak attack on US ships anchored in HI 19 American ships damaged/sunk 200 American planes destroyed 2400 people killed Day of Infamy Congress declares war on Japan- US – Allied Force Axis – Germany, Italy, Japan, +6 more Allies-Britain, France, Soviet Union, US, +45 more