The Path to World War II

Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) Increased likelihood of WWII (Seen as a “dress rehearsal”) Spain: thousands dead Economy in ruins, Social infrastructure battered Germany: Send money and troops Goal: divertF rench/British away from Central Europe Gains raw materials/resources Gives Hitler courage to make bold moves in expansion Divisions Divide between France/Britain and Germany/Italy Worsened British relationship with USSR

Rhineland (Mar 1938) and Sudetenland (Oct 1938) Treaty of Versailles Allies occupy German troops banned 1920’s: French industrial area March 7, 1936: Germany marches in Britain and France: Appeasement Policy Sudetenland: Munich Agreement

The Policy of Appeasement and the Munich Agreement The policy of granting concessions to potential enemies to maintain peace. Appeasement: British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain Debate (still today): Allowed Germany to grow too strong No other alternatives/best for Britain Munich Agreement (9/30/38): Britain/Italy/Germany/France France breaks treaty with Czechoslovakia Allows Germany to take parts of Czechoslovakia Mainly sections along border (w/ German speakers) Includes newly named “Sudetenland”

Struggles to stay independent Austria Struggles to stay independent March 12, 1938 Austrian Nazis gain control of government German troops occupy March 13, 1938 “Anschluss” declared Officially annexed March 15, 1938 Hitler announces reunification Why important to Hitler?

Czechoslovakia Germany invades Nazi goal: End Czech nationality Protectorate (brutal oppression) Puppet government Annexed by Hungary Nazi goal: End Czech nationality Kill Deport (out of Europe) Assimilate (50% to be Germanized)

Poland Germany invades Poles surrender within weeks Annexes Danzig (free city) Significance Prussia/Division Polish Corridor

Denmark and Norway 3 month expenditure Denmark Norway Government remains Elections banned Norway Under German Reich Commissar Ruled with assistance from German military, SS/Police, and Norwegian police

Belgium and Netherlands Luxembourg Surrender May 10 annexed Netherlands Surrender May 15 Under German Reich Commissar Belgium Surrender May 28 Military Occupation

Vichy France Armistice 6/22/40 North: German military occupation South: collaborated French Government (Depend on Germany for policies)

Battle of Britain (Summer/Fall 1940) British Royal Air Force (RAF) German Luftwaffe Effective air defense system Unprepared for invasion Top pilots; great leadership Luftwaffe still recovering France signs armistice, quits WWII Hitler expects Britain to recognize gains & stand down Some English politicians want to; PM Winston Churchill: stand up to Hitler Battle of attrition: heavy losses The Battle Luftwaffe: bombs radar sites, RAF Bases, Civilian cities Germany gains slight edge Britain goes on offensive, bomb Berlin Results Hitler abandons idea of invasion First major German defeat, gives hope Turning Point September 15, 1940 Britain sends large numbers to defend shoots down many planes German morale lowers drastically

Yugoslavia and Greece Invade to aid Italy Yugoslavia Greece Lasts two weeks Divided country North: Annexed South: Military Occupation Create new state Greece Loses NW to Italy Divided: German and Italian zones Military rule

Invasion of Soviet Union German-Soviet Pact “Allies” East Poland given to Soviets Hitler distrusts Stalin Germany drives out Soviet forces of East Poland

The Baltic States (Estonioa, Latvia, Lithuania) July-December 1941 Conquered Baltic States as well as parts of Ukraine and more of Soviet Territory Early Dec 1941: outskirts of Moscow Why was this an issue? Winter Is coming.

German Empire Upon US Entry to War 3 Takeaways 1. 2. 3.