World War II (1930–1945) Lesson 1 Aggression, Appeasement, and War

Lesson 1 Aggression, Appeasement, and War World War II (1930–1945) Lesson 1 Aggression, Appeasement, and War Learning Objectives Describe how the Western democracies responded to aggression. Explain the significance of the Spanish Civil War. Understand how German aggression led Europe into World War II.

Lesson 1 Aggression, Appeasement, and War World War II (1930–1945) Lesson 1 Aggression, Appeasement, and War Key Terms appeasement, pacifism, Neutrality Acts. Axis powers, Francisco Franco Anschluss Sudetenland Nazi-Soviet Pact

A Pattern of Aggression Throughout the 1930s, the rulers of Germany, Italy, and Japan were preparing to build new empires. After the horrors of World War I, the leaders of Britain, France, and the United States tried to avoid conflict through diplomacy. During the 1930s, the two sides tested each other’s commitment and will.

A Pattern of Aggression Japanese Imperialism Grows 1931- took Manchuria 1937- invaded eastern China Western allies condemn but do nothing Italy Invades Ethiopia Adowa 1935- invade Ethipia Hitler Violates the Treaty of Versailles Build up military Occupy “demilitarized” Rhineland Appeasement-

Reasons for Appeasement France demoralized and divided at home GB didn’t want war Many thought TOV terms to harsh towards Germany Fascism better than communism- buffer to stop spread of communist Russia Pacifism- The United States Remains Neutral Neutrality Acts- Formation of the Axis Powers Germany, Italy, and Japan

A Pattern of Aggression Germany rebuilt its military during the 1930s in defiance of the Treaty of Versailles. Here, troops stand at attention during a Nazi rally in Nuremberg, Germany.

A Pattern of Aggression Italy, Germany, and Japan formed an alliance and continued their aggressive actions. Analyze Information Why was it important for these three nations to form an alliance?

The Spanish Civil War In 1936, Spain was plunged into civil war. Although the Spanish civil war was a local struggle, it soon drew other European powers into the fighting.

The Spanish Civil War From Monarchy to Republic 1931- monarchy stepped down Reform- Communist wanted more changes, conservatives resisted the changes Francisco Franco- Nationalists- Loyalists- Other Countries Get Involved Hitler and Mussolini help Franco Germany uses this war to train their military Individual citizens travel to Spain to fight for Loyalist A Bloody War Guernica- Dress rehearsal for WWII Franco triumphant in 1939

The Spanish Civil War General Francisco Franco, shown here speaking to his troops, led the Nationalist forces that overthrew the Spanish democratic republic. After his victory, Franco dissolved the Spanish Parliament and established a dictatorship.

German Aggression Continues In the meantime, Hitler pursued his goal of bringing all German-speaking people into the Third Reich. He also took steps to gain “living space” for Germans in Eastern Europe. Hitler, who believed in the superiority of the German people, thought that Germany had a right to conquer the Slavs to the east. Hitler claimed, “I have the right to remove millions of an inferior race that breeds like vermin.”

German Aggression Continues Germany Annexes Austria Aryan race- Hitler- unite all German people Anschluss- Sent in army to “preserve order” The Czech Crisis Sudetenland- Munich Conference- The Munich Pact PM Neville Chamberlain of GB “We have “peace for our time” Gave Hitler what he wanted

German Aggression Continues On March 15, 1938, Hitler gave a speech at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna announcing annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany.

World War II Begins Just as Churchill predicted, Europe plunged rapidly toward war. In March 1939, Hitler broke his promises and gobbled up the rest of Czechoslovakia. The democracies finally accepted the fact that appeasement had failed. At last, thoroughly alarmed, they promised to protect Poland, most likely the next target of Hitler’s expansion.

World War II Begins 1939- Hitler broke promise and annexed the rest of Czechoslovakia Western powers agree to protect Poland Nazi-Soviet Pact Hitler stunned world Germany Invades Poland September 1, 1939- Germany invades Poland 2 weeks to conquer the western Poland Eastern Poland taken over by Soviet Union GB and France declare war, but take defensive stance

World War II Begins The cartoon portrays the two long-time enemies, Hitler and Stalin, uniting in marriage, representing the nonaggression pact they signed. Analyze Political Cartoons Why would the cartoonist caption this cartoon 'Wonder how long the honeymoon will last?'

Quiz: A Pattern of Aggression Why did the Western democracies respond to aggression with a policy of appeasement? A. All the Western democracies felt Germany was treated unfairly by the Versailles treaty. B. The Western democracies had eliminated their armies following World War I. C. The Western democracies wanted to avoid the horrors of another war. D. The Western democracies supported Hitler’s nationalism.

Quiz: The Spanish Civil War How did the Spanish Civil War affect other European countries? A. It unified all European leaders to oppose fascism. B. It motivated other Europeans to revolt against their governments. C. It spurred other nations to join in the conflict. D. It led to the overthrow of fascist leaders in other countries.

Quiz: German Aggression Continues How was the Munich Pact an act of appeasement? A. Hitler gave in to Western democracies’ demands for an end to aggressive actions. B. Western democracies gave in to Hitler’s demands of annexing the Sudetenland. C. Czechoslovakia went to war with Germany to protect its lands. D. Hitler was given permission to annex Austria.

Quiz: World War II Begins How did the Nazi-Soviet Pact help advance Stalin’s goals for the Soviet Union? A. It helped him transform Russia into a fascist state. B. It showed Stalin’s support for Hitler’s plan to increase 'living space' for a superior race. C. It gave Stalin a strong ally against the West. D. It gave him a chance to expand Russian territory in Eastern Europe.