Causes of WWII

Treaty of Versailles was supposed to permanently end all conflict between the warring nations- instead, it made things worseGermany was blamed for causing the war

and forced to pay reparationsItaly and Japan believed they should have

received more land from the warSoviet Union underwent a communist

takeover

Causes of WWII

Worldwide depression only made things worse and led to the rise of a totalitarian state:Single-party dictatorship controls all aspects

of lifeStrong, charismatic leadersState control of economyUse of terror to enforce will of stateGovernment control of media

Causes of WWII

Soviet Union-Lenin died in 1924, leading to the rise of

Joseph StalinDreamed of transforming the Soviet Union

into an industrial powerResponsible for the deaths of over 10 million

RussiansMaintained power through fear and

propaganda

Causes of WWII

Italy-Benito Mussolini founded the Fascist Party,

which promoted nationalism and promised to make Italy a world power again

Used frustrations over the results of WWI to take control of Italy

Outlawed other political parties, created a secret police, took over the press, and created educational programs

Causes of WWII

Japan-Like Italy, Japan was an Allied power during

WWI, but was upset at the lack of land gainDuring the Great Depression, Japan

increased its military powerIn 1931 and in 1937, Japan took control of

portions of China○ “Rape of Nanjing”- 200,000 Chinese murdered

by Japanese forces

Causes of WWII

GermanyWiemar Republic (democracy) took control

after WWIThe worldwide depression hurt Germany

more than anyone elseLed to the rise of the National Socialist

German Worker’s Party (Nazi Party)○ Opposed anything that went against German

ethnic solidarity

Causes of WWII

Nazi Party Adolf Hitler gained control of the Nazi’s

shortly after WWIWrote the book Mein Kampf while in prison

for a failed rebellion○ Anti-Semitic: prejudiced against Jewish people○ Set blueprint of his hatred and plans for world

domination

Causes of WWII

Nazis (continued):In 1933, Hitler was appointed chancellor of

Germany by the president of the Weimar Republic

2 years later, Hitler was chancellor and president of Germany

Secret Police (SS) crushed opposition, controlled press praised him, schools supported him

Economic policies of rearmament and massive public works projects ended the German depression

Causes of WWII

During the 1930s, the rising powers of Europe began to aggressively expand their territory:Germany wanted to reunite all German

people into one Reich (state)- took Saar and Rhineland regions (from France)

Italy invaded and conquered Ethiopia Response of the League of Nations?

Nothing

Causes of WWII

Spanish Civil War-1936-1939 takeover by Fascist radicals led

by Francisco FrancoGermany and Italy sent aid to the rebels to

test out new military technologyFrance, Britain, and the US did nothing

Causes of WWII

Appeasement-Granting concessions to a potential enemy

in the hope that it will maintain peace○ 1938, Germany brought Austria and the

Sudetenland (part of Czechoslovakia) in the Reich

○ Munich Pact- France and Britain allowed the takeovers under the promise that Germany would no longer expand

Causes of WWII

Why appeasement?Avoid the destruction of a massive warA strong Germany would provide a buffer

against the Soviet Union, which was seen as a bigger threat

Causes of WWII

War Erupts in EuropeSpring of 1939, Hitler violated the Munich

Pact by taking control of the rest of Czechoslovakia

Knowing that Poland was next, England and France signed an alliance with Poland guaranteeing aid if there was an attack

Germany and the Soviet Union signed the Nonagression Pact in August of 1939, publically promising not to attack one another

Causes of WWII

War Erupts in Europe (cont)September 1, 1939: Germany launches an

all out assault on Poland (blitzkrieg)Planes, tanks, and automobiles rushed

through Poland with devastating resultsThe Soviet Union invaded Poland from the

East (September 17)France and Britain declared war on

Germany

Causes of WWII

Knowing that the Soviets would not attack him from the East, Hitler sent his troops west in the spring of 1940Denmark and Norway fell immediatelyNetherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg

were nextMay, 1940, Germany invaded and

conquered France

Causes of WWII

With France under his control, Hitler focused his attention on Britain

To get control of the Island, Hitler’s plan was to use his air force (Luftwaffe) to control the English Channel

Battle of Britain (July 1940) saw dogfighting and bombing raids“The Blitz”- months long bombing raid on

London Britain held and Germany ended its plans