1. World War II

2. Causes of World War II
Political instability and economic devastation in Europe resulting from World War I.
Worldwide depression/massive unemployment
People are desperate for jobs
High war debt owed by Germany
High inflation

3. Continued causes of World War II
Rise of Fascism
Fascism is a strong centralized nationalistic government led by a dictator.
Dictators included Adolf Hitler (Germany), Benito Mussolini (Italy), and Hideki Tojo (Japan).
These dictators led the countries that became known as the Axis Powers.

5. immediate causes of World War II
Germany’s desire for “living space”
Nazi Germany’s motivation for land and raw materials
Munich Conference
Hitler and Chamberlain agree to allow Hitler the Sudetenland (a “German” part of Czechoslovakia) and Hitler promised to stop seeking any more territory.
Example of appeasement; Great Britain met Germany’s demands in order to avoid war.
Invasion of Poland
Hitler invades Poland in 1939.
Great Britain and France declare war on Germany.
Soviet Union invades Poland and the Baltic nations.
Treaty of Versailles
Betrayal; Germany, Italy and Japan
Forced to accept the blame.
Forced to give up land.
Hitler wanted revenge.

6. 1935: Italy invades Ethiopia
- Ethiopia had cavalry and outdated rifles against Italy’s modern tanks and airplanes.
- Ethiopia asked for aid from the League of Nations, however Britain and France had their own problems and didn’t want to get involved with a war.

7. Axis vs Allies Three Leaders of Axis: Germany The Big Four:
Italy
Japan
Other Axis:
Hungary
Romania
Bulgaria
The Big Four:
Great Britain
France
Soviet Union
United States
Other Allies:
Australia
Belgium
Bolivia
Brazil
Canada
China
Denmark
Greece
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
South Africa
Yugoslavia