WWII Erupts in Europe

Europe after WWI WWI caused the deaths of millions and destruction of property The Treaty of Versailles left many Europeans unhappy France thought treaty too easy on Germany Italy felt they should have been given land since they were on the winning side German government (Weimar Republic) was weak Upset about German blame and reparations

The Situation in 1929 Germany paying for reparations using the money from Dawes Plan. When the American Stock Market crash on Wall Street, the USA stopped lending money to Germany. The German economy went into recession.

Adolf Hitler Austrian- entered German politics because angry over Treaty of Versailles Joined small political party called National Socialists (Nazi) Became German Chancellor in 1933 Set up totalitarian dictatorship Secretly began to build up German Military

Impact of Hitler’s Policies on Unemployment

How did Hitler put Germany back to work?

RAD – The National Labour Service Gave men jobs in public work schemes Men in RAD had to wear a uniform & live in camps. They were given free meals and pocket money. Built: drainage ditches, schools, a new network of motorways and planted new forests.

To improve the living conditions of the German people Kick start the Cycle of Prosperity What was the aim of Hitler’s Public Works Program? To build impressive buildings so that the German people would feel proud To improve the public transport network for industrial & military use

Autarky – National Self Sufficiency Hitler wanted to Germany a strong independent country that was sufficient in food and materials. Germany had lost the WWI because it had run out of food and war materials. German scientist developed all sorts of artificial substitutes such as petrol from coal and coffee from acorns. These new substitutes were made in Germany and gave the unemployed jobs in new industries. Hitler also encouraged the growth of the car industry.

The Car Industry Designed by Porsche and nicked named ‘The Peoples Car’, known today as the ……?

The Car Industry Recognise the design of this German Jeep called a Kubelwagen?

What other measures did Hitler introduce in order to reduce unemployment? By 1934 all Jews were fired from civil service jobs which were then given to German workers. Unemployed Jews were not registered. Women lost their jobs which were given to men. People who refused jobs offered by the labour service were arrested and put into concentration camps.

Benito Mussolini In control in Italy by 1922 Founded Nationalist Fascist Party Established a dictatorship that allowed no other political parties Had total control over daily life of citizens

Other Totalitarian Regimes Soviet Union Joseph Stalin Crushed political opposition Spain Francisco Franco took control after Spanish Civil war of 1930’s Fascist Japan Torn by political conflict Military leaders used violence to gain control of govt. Tojo

Adolph Hitler Increases Power Hitler takes steps to increase German power Tries to unite Germany and Austria. Invades when Austria refuses (Anschluss-1938) Threatens to take Sudetenland Munich Conference: September 1938 Britain, France, Italy and Germany meet Britain and France agree to Hitler’s demands for land in exchange for peace (Appeasement) Allowed to annex German speaking portions of Czechoslovakia (Sudetenland)

Hitler Invades In 1939, Hitler will move into other countries March- Hitler sends troops into what remained of independent Czechoslovakia Establishes a pact with Italy, and a non-aggression treaty with Stalin - Stalin won’t stop Hitler, and Hitler won’t attack Soviet Union September 1st- Invades Poland Uses Blitzkrieg (Lightning War) Poland falls within a month

War Declared September 3, 1939- Great Britain and France declare war on Germany (Allies) April 1940- Hitler invades Denmark and Norway May 1940- Germans invade France June 1940- Most of France falls to Germany French leaders flee to Great Britain

American Neutrality

Neutrality Legislation Isolationist ideals became stronger in 1930’s because many European countries could not pay debts to US. Congress will pass the Neutrality Act of 1935 Made it illegal for Americans to sell arms to any country at war (many believed this was what brought the US into WWI) After further violent escalation in Europe, Congress passes the Neutrality Act of 1937 Added to the 1935 Act- required anyone who wanted to purchase non-military supplies from US had to do so on “cash and carry” basis

Destroyers for Bases Deal Roosevelt officially proclaimed the US neutral two days after Britain and France declared war on Germany Roosevelt used loopholes in American neutrality acts that required cash for purchases. Exchanged the right to build bases on British controlled islands (Newfoundland, Bermuda, and Caribbean) in exchange for 30 old American destroyers 1940- Britain asked US to transfer old US Destroyers to Britain, who had lost nearly half of theirs

The Lend-Lease Act Proposed by Roosevelt in December 1940 Allowed the US to lend or lease arms to any country It considered “vital to the defense of the United States” Allowed the US to send weapons to the British if British promised to pay rent after the war was over. Passed- By end of program- US had lent more than $40 Billion in weapons, vehicles and supplies to the Allied war effort

The Atlantic Charter August 1941 Roosevelt and Churchill met on American and British warships anchored near Newfoundland Agreed to Atlantic Charter Committed both nations to a postwar world of democracy, nonaggression, free trade, economic advancement, and freedom of the seas By late September, an additional 15 non-Axis nations had signed