1. Legacy of WW1
World War 1 had left Russia with a COMMUNIST rule, Germany bitter with the Treaty of Versailles, and Europe in financial ruin.
Many Americans saw WW1 as a TRAGEDYand were reluctant to get involved in another war.
Dictatorships sprang up in key countries such as, Germany, Russia, and Italy.
Dictator- a ruler who has absolute authority/total power over a country and its government.

3. Dictators in the World

4. Dictators in the World
Directly responsible for Pearl Harbor

5. Dictators in the World
What was life like in Nazi Germany under Hitler’s dictatorship? (remember, Hitler was initially elected to power)
Under Hitler, Germany seeks to rise out of the Great Depression and restore it’s national heritage:
~Public works projects (autobahn)
~Expanding industry (Volkswagen)
~Diminishing unemployment
~National Pride
Life in Hitler's Germany VIDEO

6. Timeline to War…. "Peace for Our Time" VIDEO 1933 1937 March 1938
September 1938
Germany and Japan Leave the League of Nations
Hitler builds up the military (direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles)
Hitler marches into Austria unopposed and declared a union with Austria
Munich Conference: France and Great Britain agree to give Hitler a part of Czechoslovakia to avoid war.
APPEASEMENT
"Peace for Our Time" VIDEO

7. Timeline to War…. Blitzkrieg: Rapid, full-force, short campaigns
EFFECT
September 1939
August 1939
March 1939
WORLD WAR II BEGINS
Stalin and Hitler invade Poland. Hitler uses a new military tactic: Blitzkrieg (lightening war)
Stalin (Russia) and Hitler sign a non-aggression pact committing to never attacking each other
Hitler marches in and takes all of Czechoslovakia
Hitler Invades Poland VIDEO
Stop and Process:
Imagine you were an American reading about these events happening in Europe. Would you be fearful? What emotions would you have?

8. FDR Re-Election- 1940
The Democratic Party broke Presidential TRADITION in 1940 and nominated FDR for a third term as President.
Later, a Constitutional change in 1951, the 22nd AMENDMENT would restrict Presidents to serving just two terms
During his campaign, Roosevelt supported the popular idea that the US should remain neutral in WW2.

9. Summarizing the Causes:
Causes of WWII
Rise of European Dictators
Failure of the League of Nations
Appeasement Fails: The Munich Conference
Germany Invaded Poland
Stop and Think…
Circle the cause that you think was the most important. Why? Be able to defend your answer

10. America and Neutrality
Term and Definition
The United States
Definition in your own Words
Neutrality:
the state of not supporting or helping either side in a conflict or disagreement
Consumed by the Great Depression, America attempted to remain neutral at the start of WWII. There is evidence that America tried to remain neutral but there is also evidence that America was preparing for war.

11. America and Neutrality
Lend-Lease Act VIDEO
Evidence that the U.S. Tried to Remain Neutral
Evidence that the U.S. Prepared for War
1. Americans were still recovering from the Great Depression
2. Neutrality Acts:
a. Americans could not travel on ships of Nations at war
b. Americans could not sell arms to countries at war.
5. ”Cash and Carry” Act-in Sept 1939, Roosevelt persuaded Congress to pass this act- this allowed nations to buy US arms and transport them in their own ships
1. First peace time draft
2. Lend-Lease Act- sell, lease, or lend war materials to “any country whose defense was vital to the United States.”
3. Flying Tigers- American volunteer fighter pilots recruited to send supplies and engage in combat with Japanese pilots. Goal: destroy Japan war production
Think about what you know: Do you think America was legitimately trying to stay neutral or was America preparing to join the war? Support your answer with evidence.

12. What a dictatorship looks like…
On a separate sheet of paper, tell me what similarities and differences you see between the two political rallies. Then, think of what steps can be taken to prevent a political party from reaching this kind of power and influence over a country. (civil rights, constitution, protests)
Nuremburg Rally 1938 VIDEO
North Korea Rally