World War II

EOC a. Describe circumstances at home and abroad prior to U.S. involvement in World War II b. Identify the significant military and political aspects of World War II c. Analyze dimensions of the Holocaust and the Allies’ response to the Holocaust and war crimes d. Evaluate the social, political, and economic impacts of World War II on the home front e. Identify and evaluate the scientific and technological developments in America during and after World War II

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After WWI… In the U.S.: In Europe: Economic Problems – Great Depression Threat of Communism Red Scare Many nations not satisfied w/ “T of V” France – treaty wasn’t harsh enough on Germany Italy – was on the winning side of the war, so hoped to gain territory, but felt ignored

After WWI… Germany (suffered the most) Economy damaged…reparations Period of severe inflation to the point German currency had little to no value Germany (suffered the most) Economy damaged…reparations Gave up land, especially industrial areas German people and army humiliated Political upheaval Est. democratic system of gov’t = Weimar Republic = rather than communist/socialist Proved to be too weak and unstable

Totalitarian Governments: Dissatisfaction in Europe allowed for certain leaders – totalitarian – to emerge in some countries Totalitarian Governments: Control every aspect of life Use terror to suppress individual rights and to silence opposition

Joseph Stalin -USSR VIDEO 2 GOALS - COMMUNISM Increase food Industrialization COMMUNISM Used violence, i.e. “The Great Purge” Developed the military to prepare the nation for war Banned labor laws and opposing political parties, and censored the press Communism VIDEO VIDEO

Fascism in Italy under Benito Mussolini Felt Italy was “shortchanged” after WWI – felt Italy was ignored in peace settlements even though they were on the winning side of the war This led to the organization of the Fascist party in Italy. Fascism –extreme nationalism where state comes first and individual 2nd

Benito Mussolini II DUCE Public speaking to promote agenda Blackshirt squad Banned labor laws and opposing political parties, and censored the press Il Duce” = “the leader” Relied on gangs of thugs to terrorize and suppress opposition

5 Actions of Mussolini Axis Powers Italy Germany Suspended elections Outlawed all other political parties, besides Fascism Established a dictatorship 1935 – invaded Ethiopia Alliance with Germany/Hitler, establishing the Axis powers Axis Powers Italy Germany

Adolf Hitler Rise to power in early 1930 Nazi Party = National Socialist German Workers’ Party NAZISM – form of fascism where German people were superior to others Purify Germany by removing other races, especially Jews

Fascism in Germany under Adolf Hitler Felt Germany was “shortchanged” after WWI, especially the war reparations Wrote Mein Kampf = “My Struggle” Video

Mein Kampf Outlined the Nazi philosophy Identified Germany’s problems, which included: Germany had been weakened by certain groups, especially the Jewish population high debt because of war reparations High unemployment and inflation Hitler’s plans for Germany Strengthen the military Expand its borders to include Germans living in other nations Purifying the Aryan race (blond, blue-eyed) by, basically removing all others

5 Actions of Hitler March 1936 – invaded the Rhineland (western Germany along the borders of France and Belgium 1936 – Alliance with Italy/Mussolini, establishing the Axis powers March 1938 – annexed Austria A few months later 1938 – demanded the Sudetenland (eastern Czechoslovakia) Map

Hideki Tojo Militarism in JAPAN 1930’s –growing towards nationalism 1941 TOJO – Prime minister

Munich Conference Representatives from England, France, Germany, and Italy met in Munich, Germany to avoid war Britain and France followed appeasement, so they let Hitler have the Sudetenland, assuming he would not continue to annex/take/invade lands March 1939 – Hitler annexed the rest of Czechoslovakia Britain and France warned him of war if he continued Map

German Non-Aggression Pact with the Soviet Union August 1939 – Hitler signed a treaty (non-aggression pact) with the Soviet Union so he wouldn’t have a threat from the east Publicly, the agreement said that neither country would attack the other. The pact was meant to last ten years. It only lasted for two. If the Germans invaded Poland, the USSR would not be allowed to intervene. Therefore, if Germany declared war against Western Europe, the Soviets would not be allowed to enter the war. Map