What caused World War II?

Understanding the causes of a major global conflict.

What does World War I have to do with World War II?

There were several issues that arose out World War I that led to conflict between nations instead of peace. The main cause of these conflicts was the Treaty of Versailles.

Click here to read the actual Treaty of Versailles. Click here to read a summary of the Treaty of

Versailles. Click here to read an abbreviated summary of the

Treaty of Versailles.

Treaty of Versailles

From reading the Treaty of Versailles you can see that Germany was blamed for starting the war and punished the most out of any nation. This made Germany very angry and frustrated.

What does money have to do with it?

Since the Treaty of Versailles said Germany had to pay a lot of reparations (war debt) Germany went into an economic depression. To try to help the economy the government started printing money.

Click here to read a brief overview of Germany’s depression.

Click here to read about Germany’s depression and a detailed overview of hyperinflation.

Hyperinflation and Depression

From reading about Germany’s economic problems you could see how people in Germany would be very unhappy. People were broke and their money was so worthless they actually burned it because it was cheaper than buying firewood.The economy wasn’t the only thing many Germans were unhappy about though . ..

Democracy isn’t always a good fit.

After World War I Kaiser Wilhelm was forced to step down. Germany now had a democracy called the Weimar Republic, which was a coalition government. Many German people were not happy with the new government.

Click here to read a brief overview of why Germans were unhappy with the Weimar Republic.

Weimar Republic and Discontent

From reading about the Weimar Republic you now know how Germans had no history of democracy and felt the government was weak and ineffective. They were looking for strong leadership.

Learning Check #1

Review the concepts you just learned. If you’re easily able to answer all the questions you’re

ready to move on. If you had trouble, review the last three

slides.

Why were the German people unhappy with the Treaty of

Versailles?

Click the correct answer: They thought they deserved to be rewarded

more land. They were blamed for the war and had to pa

y massive war reparations. They weren't allowed to form an alliance

with France anymore.

Correct!

The Treaty of Versailles blamed Germany for starting the war and made them responsible for paying a massive amount of war reparations. This ruined their economy.

Click here to move onto the next question.

Incorrect

Click here to go back to the original slide on the Treaty of Versailles to review.

Click here to go back to the original question.

How did the government try to solve Germany's economic

issues?Click on the correct answer. By raising taxes. By reducing wages. By printing more money.

Correct!

That's right, the Weimar Republic tried to help Germany's economy by printing money. Unfortunately this just led to hyperinflation and made the economy worse.

Click here to go to the next question.

Incorrect

Click here to go back to the slide on Germany's economy to review.

Click here to return to the original question.

Why were the German people unhappy with the Weimar

Republic?

Click on the correct answer. They thought it was weak and blamed it for

the Treaty of Versailles. They thought it was too strong and feared

what it would do. Nobody voted for the government, it was

put in place by the League of Nations.

Correct!

Even though the Weimar Republic didn't come to power until after World War I it was blamed for the Treaty of Versailles and the economic problems Germany had as a result. The Weimar Republic was also considered to be weak an unproductive by the people.

Click here to move on to the next topic.

Incorrect

Click here to review the slide on the Weimar Republic.

Click here to return to the original question.

Who is Adolf Hitler?

Most people have heard Hitler’s name before and have an idea of who he is. Select one of the links below to find out a bit more.

Click here for a brief background on Hitler. Click here for an in depth look at his life

and rise to power.

Fascism and Totalitarianism

Fascism and totalitarianism are very controlling/restrictive forms of government that rose in Europe after World War I. As Americans it is sometimes hard to understand why people supported these types of governments.

Click here to read a brief overview about the rise of fascism in Germany and Italy.

Fascism and Totalitarianism

Fascism and totalitarianism are very controlling/restrictive forms of government that rose in Europe after World War I. As Americans it is sometimes hard to understand why people supported these types of governments.

Click here to read a brief overview about the rise of fascism in Germany and Italy.

Why did people support Hitler?

After reading about Hitler, the conditions in Germany, and the rise of fascism you can see why the Germans were desperate enough to support Hitler. Since Germany had no history of democracy and the Weimar Republic was very weak Hitler had a lot of appeal to the German people.

Learning Check #2

Review the concepts you have just learned. If you’re easily able to

answer all the questions you’re ready to move on. If you had trouble,

review the last three slide.

Which statement most accurately defines Hitler?

Click the correct answer. An Austrian born fascist leader who served

during World War I. A German born democratic leader who

served during World War I. A peaceful communist leader who didn't

believe in war.

Correct!

Hitler was born in Austria, but did serve in the German army during World War I (remember Austria and Germany had a long standing alliance and speak the same language).

Click here to move on to the next question.

Incorrect

Click here to review the slide on Hitler. Click here to return to the original question.

What is fascism?

Click on the correct answer. A government where people vote for their

leader. A government that uses communism. A government that demands complete

loyalty to both the leader and the state.

Correct!

In a fascist state the citizens are expected to be completely loyal to both the leader and the state. Often times there are restrictive laws in place that give leaders lots of control over a person's life.

Click here to move on to the next question.

Incorrect

Click here to review the slide on fascism. Click here to return to the original question.

Which statement best describes why people support Hitler?

Click on the correct answer. They wanted a strong leader who would

stand up against communism. They wanted a communist leader. They wanted an Austrian leader.

Correct!

People supported Hitler because they felt he would be a strong leader and help fix their economy. They feared falling to communism, and Hitler took a strong stance against it.

Click here to move on!

Incorrect

Click here to review information on Hitler's rise to power.

Click here to return to the original question.

Choice ProjectUsing the information you gathered select which project you would prefer

to do.

To get instructions on how to create a timeline click here.

To get instructions on how to create a cause and effect chain click here.

Timetoast Timeline

Making a timetoast timeline is simple and free!1. Click on the link above and create an account.2. Once you’ve signed in click on your timelines and then

add a new timeline.3. Add events to your timeline by clicking the add event

button. Don’t worry about putting them in order, timetoast will do it for you! Be sure to give a description of each event and include pictures and links when possible.

4. When finished publish your timeline and send me the link.

5. Questions? Email me. I’m happy to help.

SpiderScribe Cause and Event Chain

1. Go to SpiderScribe and create an account.

2. Once you sign in click create a new map.

3. You’ll be given a blank canvas to create a cause and effect chain. Be sure to include images and provide links and descriptions when necessary.

4. When you’re finished make your map public and share the link with me.

5. Questions? Email me. I’m happy to help.