1. A Canadian Perspective
World War II
A Canadian Perspective

2. Causes of WWII: Rise of Fascism and Nazism
Economic problems around the world, especially Italy, Spain, and Germany, led people to vote for strong leadership.
Italy became Fascist with the rise of Benito Mussolini in 1922.
Civil war in Spain: Fascism v.s. Communism
Fascist Franco wins
Joseph Stalin purges Russia / Ukraine
Paris: Depression and riots

3. Causes of WWII: Rise of Fascism and Nazism
Failure of the League of Nations
Germany turned to Hitler, who promised to restore Germany to its former glory:
Undo the “Stab in the Back” Treaty of Versailles step-by-step
Jews as the scapegoat

4. Invasion of Poland September 1, 1939 Started WWII
Adolf Hitler wanted to reclaim the German territories lost to Poland after WWI.
To invade Poland, Hitler had to deal with Soviet Russia, Poland’s eastern neighbour. Hitler made the Non-Aggression Pact with leader Joseph Stalin in August 1939.
The agreement stated that neither of them would attack the other

5. Invasion of Poland (Cont’d)
The Luftwaffe largely destroyed the Polish air force on the first day of the attack, and Germany captured much of the Polish army.
Warsaw, the Polish capital, was surrounded by September 17 and surrendered ten days later after heavy bombing raids.
Meanwhile, the Soviet army advanced into eastern Poland.
Nearly a million Poles were captured by the Germans and Russians and many died before they could see freedom again.

6. The Allies at War
On September 3, 1939, France and Britain declared war on Germany.
On September 10, Canada declared war against Germany.
The Allies
The Axis Powers
Britain (& Commonwealth)
France
Poland
Soviet Russia (June 1941)
United States (Dec 1941)
Germany
Italy
Japan
Countries taken over by Germany before 1939
Soviet Russia (until June 1941)

9. Cause and consequence
Discussion Question: Some historians say the two world wars are really just one war with a twenty-one-year break in the middle. Based on what you know about the causes of WWII, would you agree that it was a result of unresolved issues from WWI?

10. Canadians and the early war years
The Allies had declared war but were not ready
The first Canadian troops arrived in Britain by December 1939, but were inexperienced and short of equipment

11. Blitzkrieg Hitler took advantage of this and advanced across Europe.
Using the Blitzkrieg or “lightning war” strategy, large numbers of German tanks artillery, and airplanes attacked, forcing a quick surrender.
By June 1940, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France had fallen to Germany.

13. France surrenders
June 22, 1940

14. Same Place, Different Time

15. The Road To War
Documentary segment (6 mins)

16. Canada and WWII Battles Workshop
Individually or in pairs / groups, research the major battles identified on the mini-unit outline. Demonstrate your understanding through written, oral, or visual means. Use the textbook and various books provided by the teacher.
Battle of Britain (August–September 1940); Battle of the Atlantic (1940–1941)
Canada declares war on Japan (1941); Battle of Hong Kong (1941)
Canada and the War in Europe: Dieppe Raid, Allied invasion of Italy,
Normandy invasion and campaign in NW Europe
(D-Day, June 6, 1944, Juno Beach)