Prelude to a War

Franklin D Roosevelt Became President in 1933 Very concerned about the depression Not so concerned with foreign affairs

Events in Europe and Asia seemed distant Knew however, German expansion posed a threat Pledged in 1933 the “Good Neighbor Policy” USSR – hurting economically, posed no threat

NEW DEAL Plan to defeat the depression Called for economic isolation -government programs -put money back in banks again -get US back on track again

While the US concentrated on isolationism, Germany and Italy turned to aggressive dictators Hitler Mussolini Hitler Mussolini

Germany made a pact to conquer E Europe

Mussolini wanted to control the Mediterranean Mussolini wanted to control the Mediterranean

Fascism – Where a dictator seeks more power for the nation at the expense of human rights. Totalitarianism – Government that controls completely over the people.

Hitler and Mussolini blamed WWI on all the undesirables in their countries ~ Jews ~ minorities ~ physically/mentally disabled ~Jehovah Witness

Germany Began by expelling all Jews from universities Government officials who were Jews were fired from jobs Doctors, lawyers etc…degrees stripped

1935 – Italy took over Ethiopia

1937 – Japan marched into China 1938 – Hitler moved into Austria September 3, 1939 – official start of WWII

AlliesAxis AlliesAxis United States Japan Great Britain Italy France Germany USSR