2. Hitler begins planning to invade the USSR as early as the summer of 1940
Balkan countries of south-eastern Europe were key to Hitler’s invasion plan
Wanted to build bases in southeastern Europe for his attack wanted to make sure Britain did not interfere
Moves influence to the Balkans
By early 1941, through threat of force, persuaded Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary to join the Axis Powers
Greece and Yugoslavia both resisted but would later fall within days
Setting up Russia

3. Invasion of Russia Operation Barbarossa- June 22, 1941
Soviets unprepared – largest army in the world but troops were not well equipped or well trained
Invasion went on and on until German troops pushed 500 miles into the Soviet Union
As they retreated, burned and destroyed everything in the enemy’s path  Sound familiar???
By November Leningrad was cut off from the rest of the Soviet Union
Invasion of Russia

4. To force a surrender Hitler was ready to starve more than 2
To force a surrender Hitler was ready to starve more than 2.5 million living in Leningrad
German bombing destroyed warehouses where food was stored resulting in people eating cattle and horse food among other things
Yet, the city refuses to crumble causing Hitler to look at Moscow- the capital and heart of the Soviet Union
October 2, 1941 Nazi make their way and by December advanced to the outskirts
Downfall: temperature dropping + Nazi’s in summer uniform= Nazi retreating
Result: Hitler ordering “No retreat!” -held the line against the Soviets until March gained nothing but cost and 500,000 German lives

5. United States aids its allies
Felt they should not get involved
Between 1935 and 1937 Congress passes Neutrality Acts- making it illegal to sell arms or lend money to nations at war
Lend-Lease Act passed in March 1941, the President could lend or lease arms and other supplies to any country vital to the US.
US ships escorting British ships carrying US arms causing Hitler to order his submarines to sink any cargo ship they met
United States aids its allies

6. Atlantic Charter & German Submarines
Roosevelt & Churchill issued a joint declaration
Upheld free trade among the nations and the right of people to choose their own government
Would later serve as the Allies’ peace plan at the end of WWII
September 4 German U-Boat fired on a US destroyer  Roosevelt ordered navy commanders to shoot German submarines on sight
***US was now involved in an UNDELCARED naval war with Hitler

7. Japan’s attacks manchuria and becoming imperialistic
Imperialism- a policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force
Japan’s military leaders had dreams of an empire Planned a pacific empire- China
Manchuria- Rich in iron and coal
Provide Japan with raw materials and markets for goods