13:2 Path to War – Hitler begins violating terms of Treaty of Versailles Military draft Build a new air force – European leaders do little Did not want another war Believed Hitler’s demands were reasonable
Hitler wants all German-speaking nations united Anschluss (“unification”) – Hitler demands Austria elect more Nazis – Austrian government asks for a vote – Hitler sends troops into Austria
Hitler wants the Sudetenland – Area of Czechoslovakia with large German- speaking population
Munich Conference (Sep 1938) – Britain, France, Italy, and Germany meet to decide fate of Czechoslovakia – Britain and France agree to Hitler’s terms “appeasement” – Make concessions for peace
Hitler demands Danzig – Polish city since WWI; 90% German Britain and France agree to help Poland if Germany invaded (March, 1939)
The Nazi-Soviet Pact (Aug 1939) – Germany and Russia would not attack each other Russia would not aid Britain and France against Germany
September 1, 1939: Germany invades Poland September 3, 1939: Britain and France declare war on Germany – World War II begins
Battle of Britain – German Luftwaffe (air force) continually bombs London – Goal: terrorize British into surrendering – Winston Churchill: British Prime Minister