Prelude to War 1936-1939

The Axis Powers Mussolini, Hitler and Tojo all had expansionist ambitions Axis Powers formed in 1936 as an informal alliance between the three All agreed to divide up the world among themselves

Flags of the Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Axis

The Road to War in Europe In 1936, Hitler reoccupied the Rhineland that had been taken from Germany after World War I Germany then annexed Austria in 1938 Both of these actions were clear violations of the Versailles Treaty, but the League of Nations refused to act

When Hitler threatened to annex the Sudetenland, Britain and France pursued a policy of “appeasement” in the hopes of avoiding war

This proved a failure when Hitler marched on the rest of Czechoslovakia a few months later Britain and France then threatened war should Germany invade Poland When Germany did invade Poland on Sept. 1st, 1939, Britain and France reluctantly declared war on Germany World War II had begun

German Blitzkrieg in action in Poland

German Stuka dive bombers used to terrorize enemy troops and civilians

The Extent of Axis Conquests in Europe