Introduction to World War II

Why? 1. Treaty of Versailles Germany lost land to surrounding nations as a result of their actions in WWI 1) Allies collect money to pay back war debts to U.S. 2) Germany must pay $57 trillion (modern equivalent) 3) Bankrupted the German economy & embarrassed Germans

Why? 2. World-wide Depression The Depression made Germany’s debt even worse Desperate people turn to desperate leaders – Hitler seemed to provide solutions to Germany’s problems – Hitler provided scapegoats for Germany’s problems (foreigners, Jews, communists, Roma (Gypsies), mentally ill, homosexuals)

Why? 3. Rise of Totalitarian Regimes Communist Dictatorship – USSR Fascist Dictatorship – Germany, Italy – Fascism: military government with based on racism & nationalism with strong support from the business communit Military Dictatorship - Japan In a Totalitarian country, individual rights are not viewed as important as the needs of the nation

Why? 4. Isolationism of Major Powers Why was the U.S. Isolationist? Great Depression (problems at home) Perceptions of WWI – WWI did not seem to solve much – People began to think that Americans got into WWI for the wrong reasons (greedy American businessmen!)

Why? 4.Isolationism of Major Powers This led to policies of “Appeasement” Appeasement: give dictators what they want and hope that they won’t want anything else Begins with Japanese invasion of Manchuria, Italian invasion of Ethiopia, and continues with Hitler...

The Rise of Dictators Allies had expected Germany to pay for damages during World War I Didn’t have enough money to do this Adolph Hitler, leader of Germany during the 20’s, said Germany had been treated unfairly. Believed only Germans with blond hair and blue eyes were “true Germans” Blamed Jews for many of the problems.

National Socialists, or Nazis Political party with Hitler in charge Grew in power and started an army Soldiers, called storm troopers Attacked Jewish people and others opposed to Hitler Put prisoners into terrible prisons called concentration camps.

January 1933: Hitler became Chancellor of Germany

Hitler soon ordered a programme of rearming Germany Hitler visits a factory and is enthusiastically greeted. Many Germans were grateful for jobs after the misery of the depression years.

Nazis in Control 1933 took control of German government Hitler ruled as a dictator, an all-powerful ruler. Rebuilt Germany’s economy by preparing for another war. Built tanks, guns and other war supplies Wanted to Rule the World

March 1936: German troops marched into the Rhineland The Rhineland was a region of Germany that was ‘demilitarised’ after the Treaty of Versailles. Germany was not allowed to have troops in the region. Hitler’s actions showed how he was willing to directly challenge the treaty.

Other Dictators Joseph Stalin ruled the Soviet Union Francisco Franco ruled Spain Benito Mussolini ruled Italy. Hirohito ruled Japan

Benito Mussolini - Italy

Joseph Stalin

March 1938: Nazi Germany annexed Austria Again, this went against the terms of the Treaty of Versailles which banned Germany from uniting with Austria. However, the arrival of German troops was met with great enthusiasm by many Austrian people.

March 1939: Germany invaded Czechoslovakia Hitler had ordered the occupation of a part of Czechoslovakia known as the Sudetenland (in October 1938). Many hoped that that this would be the last conquest of the Nazis. However, in March 1939, he ordered his troops to take over the remainder of Czechoslovakia. This was the first aggressive step that suggested that a war in Europe would soon begin.

August 1939: Germany and Russia signed a non-aggression pact Hitler and Stalin (the Russian leader) signed a ‘non-aggression pact’. They promised that neither country would attack the other in the event of war. As part of the deal, Hitler promised Stalin part of Poland, which he planned to invade soon. This photo shows the Russian foreign minister signing the pact, whilst Stalin stands smiling in the background

The non-aggression pact was surprising. Hitler and Stalin were seen as natural enemies. When Hitler talked of taking over new land for Germany, many thought that he meant Russia. Hitler also hated Communism, the form of government in Russia Hitler Stalin

September 1939: Germany invaded Poland The pact allowed Germany to march into Poland without fear of an attack from Russia. On 3 rd September 1939, Germany invaded Poland and started a War with Britain and France. German troops marching into Warsaw, the capital of Poland.

May 1940: Germany turned west and invaded France and the Netherlands In May 1940, Germany used Blitzkrieg tactics to attack France and the Netherlands. British troops were forced to retreat from the beaches of Dunkirk in northern France. British troops were forced to retreat from the beaches of Dunkirk in northern France. Captured British troops, May 1940

By June 1940, France had surrendered to the Germans Britain now stood alone as the last remaining enemy of Hitler’s Germany in Western Europe. Adolf Hitler tours Paris after his successful invasion.

September 1940-May 1941: the Blitz For the following nine months, the German air force (Luftwaffe) launched repeated bombing raids on British towns and cities. This was known as the BLITZ and was an attempt to bomb Britain into submission.

Operation Barbarossa, June 1941 But in May, 1941, Hitler ordered a change of tactics. He decided to halt the bombing of Britain and launch an attack against Russia. He betrayed Stalin and ignored the promises he had made. This was a bold move that would prove to be an important turning point in the War.