Beginnings of WWII

Beginning of the Conflict 2nd Sino-Japanese War (1936-1945) and Hitler’s annexation of Austria alert democratic countries War near certainty when Czechoslovakia was invaded in March 1939 No end to German expansion

Beginning of the Conflict Aug. 1939- Treaty of Non-Aggression Hitler and Stalin agree to simultaneously invade Poland Free Soviet reign in Baltic States Sep. 1- Hitler invades W. Poland and occupies city of Danzig France and Britain declare war shortly afterwards

Initial U.S. Reaction Majority of citizens want to maintain neutrality Improved aircraft left both U.S. and Panama vulnerable to invasion

The Rainbow Plans Series of hypothetical war plans for facing any hostile nation E.g. War Plan ORANGE = war against Japan

South American Republic Japan Germany Philippines Cuba China Iceland South American Republic Latin America Domestic U.S. France Mexico Britain/Canada

Initial U.S. Reaction State of emergency (limited) declared Increase enlisted strengths in Army and Nat. Guard Inaction after Poland led to a lull in preparation Focus on updating equipment and conducting genuine army maneuvers