Hitler’s Early Gambles and Decisions

1. Hitler’s Early Gambles and Decisions Section 2 What were Hitler’s early moves in Europe that led to the breakout of WWII?

2. Step One: Negotiations • Axis Powers: Alliance between Germany and Italy (October 1936) • Anti-Comintern Pact: Alliance between Germany and JAPAN-WANTED TO STOP THE SPREAD OF COMMUNISM!!!!! • These three nations referred to themselves as the Axis Powers. • They kept their ANTI communist agenda HIDDEN

4. Step 2: The Rhineland • Hitler marched his army into the Rhineland (March 7, 1936) • Major violation of the Treaty of Versailles • Major gamble for Hitler • England and France did NOT resist • The Allies lost an important opportunity to stop Hitler, whose tiny German force would have easily been overwhelmed by the French Army • This failure would have led to Hitler being overthrown and eliminated as a threat • The success of this gamble builds German confidence

5. Step 3 • Annexing Austria • A Nazi Party had been formed during the 1920’s • By 1930’s, the Nazi Party had grown significantly and had representation in Austria’s cabinet • Hitler and the Austrian chancellor had major disagreements on the union of Germany and Austria • Hitler decided to march into Austria with a show of force! • Chancellor of Austria resigned • Austria increased the size of Germany’s population, territory, and resources. Germany now controlled the heart of central Europe

6. Step 3 continued • Crisis in the Sudetenland • More than 3 million Germans lived in this region • Included a chain of mountains around the western rim of Czechoslovakia- heavily fortified, great natural defense • Many Germans in this region wanted to unionize with Germany • Czechoslovakia refused, protest broke out, and the area was placed under martial law • Hitler then announced he would invade and take over the Sudetenland to protect his fellow Germans

7. Primary Source activity • Step one: Read your source • Step two: Summarize in your own words the top 5 points made in the reading (20 points) • Step three: Meet with your group and create a political cartoon to illustrate one or more of the points you have summarized (20 point contest)

8. Primary Source • “The Misery of the Sudeten Germans is Indescribable”- Hitler (Sept 12, 1938)

9. Step 4 • Reaction of the Allies- Great Britain and France • Munich Conference: • Mussolini (Italy), Neville Chamberlain (Britain), Hitler (Germany), Edouard Daladier (France) • Chamberlain and Daladier accepted the German demands of the Sudetenland joining with Germany • Process became known as Appeasement- accepting some of the demands of the aggressor in order to maintain peace

10. Primary Source • “Czechoslovakia has ceased to exist” (March 15, 1939)-Hitler • “I bitterly regret what has now occurred” Chamberlain

11. Step 5: • Hitler invades Czechoslovakia. • Within 6 months, this independent nation was erased from Europe • Great Britain and France prepare for war. • Issue a draft • Create a rearmament program • Great Britain and France promised to protect Poland if Germany attacked

12. Step 6: Negotiations with Stalin • Great Britain and France tried to negotiate a treaty with Stalin- dragged on and was NEVER accomplished • Behind the allies’ back, Stalin and Hitler negotiated a treaty • In August 1939, Hitler proudly announced a German-Soviet nonaggression Pact • Divide up Poland • Soviets would take control of the Baltic Peninsula

13. Primary Source • “Our enemies are little Worms” (August 22, 1939) Hitler

14. Step 7 • On September 1, 1939 Hitler invaded Poland • WWII officially began • Two days later, Great Britain and France declared war on Germany • “Everything I have hoped for has crashed into Ruins” (September 3, 1939) Chamberlain