The Rise of Dictators and World War II Steps to War Chapter 26 Section 1

The Rise of Dictators What brought dictators to power? What brought dictators to power? Rise to power was due to economic and political conditions created by World War I. Rise to power was due to economic and political conditions created by World War I. Italy, Germany, Japan, and Soviet Union. Italy, Germany, Japan, and Soviet Union. Treaties from WWI did not resolve issues. Treaties from WWI did not resolve issues. Germany most severe. Germany most severe. Economies of Europe in ruins; heavy debt. Economies of Europe in ruins; heavy debt. Widespread unemployment caused unrest and Europeans turned to new leaders. Widespread unemployment caused unrest and Europeans turned to new leaders.

Dictators Seize Power Benito Mussolini – Italy- fascism. Benito Mussolini – Italy- fascism. Facism – extreme nationalism linked to racism. Facism – extreme nationalism linked to racism. Adolf Hitler – Germany – Nazi (National Socialist German Workers’ Party); Chancellor; der Fuhrer – “The Leader”. Adolf Hitler – Germany – Nazi (National Socialist German Workers’ Party); Chancellor; der Fuhrer – “The Leader”. Joseph Stalin – Soviet Union – Communism control every aspect of life in the nation. Joseph Stalin – Soviet Union – Communism control every aspect of life in the nation. Hideki Tojo – Japan – Prime Minister – military control. Hideki Tojo – Japan – Prime Minister – military control.

Dictators Expand Their Territory How did dictators demonstrate their power in the 1930s? How did dictators demonstrate their power in the 1930s? Seized power and threatened democratic governments. Seized power and threatened democratic governments – Hitler & Mussolini formed the Rome- Berlin Axis; Japan joined in – Hitler & Mussolini formed the Rome- Berlin Axis; Japan joined in Hitler invaded Austria; wanted the Sudetenland(Czechoslovakia) Hitler invaded Austria; wanted the Sudetenland(Czechoslovakia). Appeasement – meeting Germany’s demand to avoid war; gave Hitler Sudetenland and Germany would stop seeking more territory. Appeasement – meeting Germany’s demand to avoid war; gave Hitler Sudetenland and Germany would stop seeking more territory. Churchill and other disagreed. Churchill and other disagreed.

World War II Begins What events led to World War II? What events led to World War II? Hitler conquered the rest of Czechoslovakia. Hitler conquered the rest of Czechoslovakia. Promised to seize Poland; Britain and France warned of war. Promised to seize Poland; Britain and France warned of war. Germans and Soviet Union agreed not to attack each other. Germans and Soviet Union agreed not to attack each other. Germany invades Poland; Sept.1, Germany invades Poland; Sept.1, Britain & France declare war on Germany Britain & France declare war on Germany Blitzkrieg “lightning war”. Which stressed speed and surprise. Blitzkrieg “lightning war”. Which stressed speed and surprise. 1940; Hitler conquered Denmark, Norway, Belgium and Netherlands. 1940; Hitler conquered Denmark, Norway, Belgium and Netherlands.

Allies Under Attack June 1940 – Germany invaded France; Hitler thought GB would seek peace. June 1940 – Germany invaded France; Hitler thought GB would seek peace. Hitler invades Great Britain. Hitler invades Great Britain. Battle of Britain – Germany’s airforce – Luftwaffe bombed London. Battle of Britain – Germany’s airforce – Luftwaffe bombed London. Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF) fought the Germans, but many civilian targets in Britain were bombed Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF) fought the Germans, but many civilian targets in Britain were bombed British did not surrender. British did not surrender.

Con’t Despite agreement with Soviet Union, Hitler wanted Soviet Unions wheat and oil. Despite agreement with Soviet Union, Hitler wanted Soviet Unions wheat and oil – invaded Soviet Union; harsh winter stopped the Nazi advance – invaded Soviet Union; harsh winter stopped the Nazi advance. US Congress – Lend-Lease Act; Roosevelt supported. Allowed lending or leasing resources and equipment to allies; 50 billion worth of goods to Britain & SU US Congress – Lend-Lease Act; Roosevelt supported. Allowed lending or leasing resources and equipment to allies; 50 billion worth of goods to Britain & SU

Japan Attacks Pearl Harbor 1940 – Japan joined Axis alliance – Japan joined Axis alliance. Only the US stood in the way of them conquering Dutch East Indies, and other Asian territories. Only the US stood in the way of them conquering Dutch East Indies, and other Asian territories. December 7, 1941; Japanese warplanes make a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. December 7, 1941; Japanese warplanes make a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. 2,400 Americans died; warplanes and ships destroyed 2,400 Americans died; warplanes and ships destroyed President Roosevelt declares war on Japan. President Roosevelt declares war on Japan. “a date that will live in infamy”. “a date that will live in infamy”. Dec. 11, 1941; Germany & Italy declared war on US. Dec. 11, 1941; Germany & Italy declared war on US.