Causes of WWII and American Response SS.912.A.6.1: Examine causes, course, and consequences of World War II on the United States and the world. SS.912.A.6.2: Describe the United States response in the early years of World War II “What economic and political conditions following World War I encouraged dictatorship?”

Russia European Map Prior to WWII: Copy the names of the countries on your map

Isms of WWII Fascism: a political philosophy, movement, or regime that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition Communism: a totalitarian system of government in which a single authoritarian party controls state-owned means of production Nazism: the body of political and economic doctrines held and put into effect by the Nazis in Germany from 1933 to 1945 including the totalitarian principle of government, predominance of especially Germanic groups assumed to be racially superior, and supremacy of the führer (Hitler)

Isms of WWII Imperialism: the policy, practice, or advocacy of extending the power and dominion of a nation especially by direct territorial acquisitions or by gaining indirect control over the political or economic life of other areas Totalitarianism:  the political concept that the citizen should be totally subject to an absolute state authority Isolationism: a policy of national aloneness by abstention from alliances and other international political and economic relations

Politics of European Countries WWII -based on the notes of the Isms: which countries do you think are: Fascist? Communist? Nazi? Imperialist? Turn and discuss with your neighbor Communism Nazism & Imperialism Russia Fascism

Depression Era America: What policy does the US follow? Europe war begins 1939 Isolationism

Think about it… In 1939, France and Great Britain declared war on Germany as a direct result of the German: A. Nazism B. Imperialism C. Communism D. Isolationism

Think about it… On May 13, 1939, the German transatlantic liner St. Louis sailed from Hamburg, Germany, for North America. On the voyage were 937 passengers. Almost all were Jews fleeing from Nazi Germany, and the US nor Cuba allowed them entrance to the country. American response to the St. Louis is MOST LIKELY due to the policy of: A. Imperialism B. Democracy C. Communism D. Isolationism

Causes of WWII: Treaty of Versailles After Germany lost WWI, the winning nations drafted a treaty to address issues such as territorial adjustments, reparations, armament restrictions, war guilt and the League of Nations. The treaty punished Germany and left bitter feelings and broke

Causes of WWII: Economic Depression In Germany, depression, unemployment and hard times led to a dramatic increase in votes for Hitler and the Nazi Party Voting for Hitler’s party increased as unemployment rates rose

Causes of WWII: Anti-Communism The 1930s saw the rise of many totalitarian regimes; but most people chose fascism over communism. Hitler exploited people’s fear of a communist takeover in Germany to rise to power in 1933.

Causes of WWII: Appeasement Appeasement is the act of giving in to an enemy’s demands in hopes of avoiding further conflict. In 1938, Hitler demanded that Czechoslovakia cede the Sudetenland to Germany. He claimed that the German population living there was being mistreated. The British and French prime ministers agreed to Hitler’s demands without consulting Czechoslovakian leaders, in the hopes that this would avoid a war in Europe.

Causes of WWII: Militarism The glorification of war, in which a nation strengthens its military and stockpiles weapons in preparation for war. An important aspect of militarism is that the glorification of war is incorporated into all levels of society, including education of the nation’s youth

Causes of WWII: Nationalism Nationalism is the belief in the superiority of one’s own nation over all others Hitler, Mussolini, and Japan’s Tajo each touted their nation’s ability to dominate all others in the years leading up to WWII

Causes of WWII: American Isolationism The failure of peace efforts such as the Kellogg Briand Treaty during the 1920s disillusioned many Americans about international involvement. The U.S. was in a major depression throughout the 1930s and was mostly concerned with its own problems. Conflict in Europe seemed distant, and the U.S. tried to remain neutral. This policy weakened the European democracies.

Causes of WWII ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Analysis of Political Cartoons 1. Do NOT write on the paper on the inside of the sleeve 2. Only use your white board marker for the activity. WAVES: W: Words A: Action V: Visuals E: Emotion S: Significance Write in Notes

W A V E S W.A.V.E.S. Which statement most accurately expressed the point of view of the cartoonist? A. Isolationism is the safest policy for these countries to follow. B. The United States is ignoring the threat caused by foreign aggression. C. Trade restrictions are more of a threat than leaders recognize. D. England can defend itself against Axis aggression

Think about it… In what way has the cartoonist demonstrated the negative impact of nationalism? a. Alliances are torn down by Nazi aggression b. Pride in one’s country creates destruction c. Nationalism creates a false sense of security d. Militarism destroys a country’s sense of nationality Explain WHY you choose the answer you did… Or WHY are the other answers not correct.

Your turn to try with a Partner V E S Which statement best describes the main idea of this cartoon a. Germany believes that the earth is round and not flat b. Adolph Hitler plans to take over the world with his military c. Germany will not succumb to imperialism by other nations d. Nazism will dominate all world political leaders and government