Paths to War: The Drives for Empires Germany, Italy, & Japan World History Unit 7: World War II

Germany

1. Treaty of Versailles Violations Identification: In 1935, Hitler created a new German air force and expanded the military draft in Germany. In March, 1936, Hitler sent troops to occupy Rhineland area of Germany, a “demilitarized” zone.

1. Treaty of Versailles Violations Significance: All of these actions violated the Treaty of Versailles. No real action was taken by other European countries because they had their own internal economic problems, and they were hoping that was all Hitler would do.

Nazis occupy the Rhineland (see previous map and key for the location)

2. Germany’s Annexation of Austria Identification: In 1938, Germany “annexes” Austria to Germany (makes it a part of Germany) after Hitler threatens Austria with invasion if it doesn’t agree to be controlled by the Nazis. Billboards in support of Hitler

Annexation of Austria Significance: Fulfills Hitler’s goal of “Anschluss” (union) with Hitler’s native land of Austria. Action shows Hitler’s disregard of world opinion and willingness to use military might to get what he wants.

3. Czechoslovakia/Sudetenland German speaking children welcome Hitler to Sudetenland Identification: Sept. 1938, Hitler demanded that Germany be given Sudetenland area of Czechoslovakia (area largely inhabited by Germans) and declared willingness to risk “world war” to get it.

3. Czechoslovakia/Sudetenland Significance: Hitler's action in Czech/Sudetenland results in the Munich Conference but demonstrates Hitler’s continuing disregard of world opinion.

4. Munich Conference Identification: Conference in Munich, Germany (Sept. 1938) after Hitler demanded the Sudetenland. Great Britain, France, and Italy caved in to Hitler and allowed him to occupy the Sudetenland because he promised that he would not make any more demands.

4. Munich Conference Significance: Example of “appeasement” by European countries. Prime Minister of Great Britain, Neville Chamberlain, boasted that the agreement meant “peace for our time.” Instead, Hitler just became more bold, believing that other countries would not interfere with his plans.

5. Nazi/Soviet Pact Identification: Aug 1939, Germany and Soviet Union sign Nazi-Soviet Nonaggression Pact (nations promise not to attack each other). Hitler promises Stalin that he can have control of eastern Poland. Significance: Gave Hitler freedom to attack Poland without risking being attacked by Soviet Union.

6. Invasion of Poland by Germany Identification: On Sept 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland. Significance: Two days later, Britain and France declared war on Germany. World War II begins.

6. Invasion of Poland by the Soviet Union Identification: On Sept 17, 1939, the Soviets invade Poland from the east Significance: U.S.S.R. (Soviet Union enters WWII

Italy

1. Invasion of Ethiopia Identification: Oct., 1935, Mussolini (Italy) invades Ethiopia, as part of his dream to create a new Roman Empire in the Mediterranean. Significance: Mussolini becomes closer to Hitler because Hitler supports his action; Britain and France condemn his action.

2. Rome-Berlin Axis Identification: Alliance between Italy and Germany, resulting from written agreement between the two countries signed in Oct 1936. Significance: Results in further cooperation between two countries, such as helping Franco in the Spanish Civil War.

Japan War in the Pacific

1. Manchuria Identification: Sept, 1931, Japanese seized Manchuria from China to obtain their rich natural resources that were greatly needed by Japan. League of Nations condemned Japan, so Japan withdrew from the League of Nations.

1. Manchuria Significance: This opened the door for further expansion into China by Japan. U.S. refused to recognize Japanese control of Manchuria but was unwilling to threaten force.

2. Rape of Nanking (Nanjing) Identification: A six-week period following the Japanese capture of the city of Nanking, on December 9, 1937. Hundreds of thousands of civilians were murdered and 20,000–80,000 women were raped by soldiers of the Imperial Japanese Army.

2. Rape of Nanking (Nanjing) Significance: Demonstrates the brutality of Japan and Japanese soldiers, and their total disregard for lives of conquered civilians. It also provided a preview of how Japan will treat American prisoners of war.

Prisoners being buried alive

3. New Order in East Asia Identification: 1930’s/early 1940’s: Japanese plan to establish a “new order” by uniting China and Manchuria under Japanese control. Plan later extended to include Southeast Asian conquered countries like Burma and French Indochina. Slogan: “Asia for the Asiatics”

3. New Order in East Asia Significance: Japan had great need for raw materials (it is just a small group of islands). They took over new territories to get the materials needed for its war machine and as well as markets for their manufactured goods.

4. Anti-Comintern Pact Identification: Nov, 1936: Agreement signed by Germany and Japan promising to fight against communism (the Soviet Union). Significance: Strengthens Hitler’s position against the Soviet Union. Gives Hitler a powerful ally in the coming World War II. In case of an attack by the Soviet Union against Germany or Japan, the two countries agreed to consult on what measures to take "to safeguard their common interests". They also agreed that neither of them would make any political treaties with the Soviet Union. On November 6, 1937, Italy also joined the pact, thereby forming the "Axis Powers"