1. Causes of World War Two
Short Term Causes

2. The Nazi-Soviet Pact
Hitler realized he would not be able to fight a war on two fronts
Hitler hated communism
Stalin hated fascism
Agreed to not go to war against each other and secretly agreed to divide Poland among them
Hitler knew this “truce” would be temporary

4. Germany Makes Demands Headline from Monday, August 28, 1939
Hitler rejects peace offer and makes “clear demand”
“I MUST HAVE DANZIG AND THE CORRIDOR”
Tells France “I know the consequences”
“IF FATE FORCES US TO FIGHT…”
Declares Poland would suffer most
“Any peace must be permanent”
Britain’s “NO!”

5. Germany Invades Poland
Policy of Appeasement
Failed
Britain and France had “redrawn” the line at Poland
Germany crosses the line
Invades Poland
Britain and France realize there is no other way to stop Hitler
Europe must go to war again

6. Video: Germany Invades Poland

7. September 1, 1939 Occurred at the crack of dawn
There was no official declaration of war
The uneasy peace ended
German Wehrmacht rolled across the border

8. Britain and France Europe was now at WAR
Within two days both these countries declared war
Europe was now at WAR
But what would Canada do?

9. Canada
Unlike WW1, where Canada’s participation was based on Britain involvement, this time Canada must make the choice
Mackenzie King recalled Parliament for urgent debate and vote
The decision of was almost unanimous
Canada would go to war

10. September 10, 1939 Canada officials declares war on Germany
The population of Canada is made aware of this decision over the radio
The Canadian population did not greet this news with enthusiasm
The memory of WW1 was still lingering
Almost everyone had lost some one in the first great war

12. Why did Canada wait to declare war?
Did they really need the time to “debate” the vote?

13. Attitude Towards the War
Disagreement about the war
Those who disagree about using force to settle disputes
Canadians were supremely confident the war would be over quickly
Reluctantly most Canadians agreed to go to war
By the end of the first month seventy thousand people had signed up