World War II

1. World War II

2. The Rise of Dictators • The effects of World War I, and the Great Depression in the United States sent shockwaves around the world. • The weak global economies led to dictators, or people who rule by force, to come to power. • In Germany, Italy, Japan and the Soviet Union – these dictators formed brutal and repressive governments.

3. The Rise of Dictators • In the Soviet Union, Joseph Stalin led a vicious form of totalitarian communism. • Stalin used terror to control the country and suppress individual rights. • Stalin combined small family farms into huge collective farms owned and run by the state.

5. The Rise of Dictators • Stalin removed those opposed to him through starvation and labor camps – millions died. • In Italy, strikes and riots had been going on since the end of World War I. • A veteran named Benito Mussolini emerged as a leader of the new Fascist Party.

6. The Rise of Dictators • Fascism emphasizes extreme nationalism and a supreme ruler. • Mussolini used force and intimidation to become dictator of Italy. • He claimed he could fix Italy’s economy through conquest – invaded Ethiopia.

8. The Rise of Dictators • The weak conditions of Germany led to the emergence of another dictator. • Adolph Hitler was wounded while serving in World War I and was angry over the Versailles Treaty. • Hitler hated that Germany was blamed for the war – blamed the Jewish for that.

10. The Rise of Dictators • In 1919, Hitler joined the National Socialist German Workers’ Party – or Nazi Party. • The Nazis preached fascism – supreme German culture and race. • Hitler became leader of the party for his tremendous ability to give speeches.

11. The Rise of Dictators • In 1923 – Nazi’s tried overthrowing German government. • Plan failed and Hitler was arrested – he writes Mein Kampf or “My Struggle” while in prison. • The book outlines the philosophy of the Nazi Party and their plans to fix Germany.

12. The Rise of Dictators • The terrible German economy because of WWI and the Great Depression caused people to look for new leaders. • The Nazis and Hitler became popular and Hitler named Chancellor in 1933. • Hitler removed freedom of speech and press and brutalized his political enemies.

13. The Rise of Dictators • Three weeks later, the Reichstag – or German Parliament – burned down. • Fire was suspicious – Hitler blamed communists and other enemies of Nazis. • Hitler was granted absolute power as a result so he could do what was necessary to protect Germany.

15. The Rise of Dictators • Like Mussolini, Hitler saw conquest as the best way to solidify Germany’s economy. • Hitler rearmed Germany – reduced unemployment by building weapons and buildings. • Signed a treaty with Mussolini – formed the Axis Powers.

16. The Rise of Dictators • Hitler began expanding German borders by annexing lost lands from World War I. • A war weary Europe appeased Hitler – or kept the peace by giving into his demands. • By appeasing Hitler – he only became stronger and more aggressive.

17. YOUR TURN TO WRITE • What two major historical events contributed to the rise of fascism in Italy and Germany, and totalitarianism in the Soviet Union? • How did Mussolini and Hitler seek to solve their countries economic problems? • What is appeasement? In your opinion, is it a good or bad policy for countries to practice?

18. Europe Goes To War • Hitler wanted to keep expanding but feared fighting a two-front war that cost Germans victory in World War I. • Hitler and Stalin signed a Non-Aggression Pact which divided up the lands in Eastern Europe. • On September 1, 1939 – Germany invaded Poland and World War II began.

19. Europe Goes To War • German fought a new form of war called blitzkrieg or “lightning war”. • Fast moving tanks and overwhelming fire power led to Poland’s demise in a month. • Hitler used blitzkrieg to conquer Denmark, Norway, Finland, Belgium and Luxembourg.

22. Europe Goes To War • Germany invaded France and split the British and French troops in two. • British forced to retreat back to England at Dunkirk. • France fell shortly after – German troops entered Paris on June 14, 1940.

25. Europe Goes To War • After France was secure, Hitler wanted to conquer England. • Hitler knew British Navy was powerful and would halt invasion – so he attacked by air instead. • Hitler launched the greatest air-assault the world had ever seen – over 1,000 planes bombed Great Britain.

27. Europe Goes To War • This action started the Battle of Britain – both German and English planes fought in the air. • Hitler ordered the bombing of London to break civilian will power. • Firebombs caused devastating damage and started raging fires in the city.

28. Europe Goes To War • Over a year’s time, 20,000 civilians died and over 70,000 were injured. • However, their will was never broken – and it marked the first time Hitler was stopped. • The Germans were never able to establish air superiority over England and never attempted a land invasion.

29. YOUR TURN TO WRITE • Why did Hitler sign a Non-Aggression Pact with Stalin and the Soviet Union? • What was “blitzkrieg” and how did it help the Germans have success in Europe? • What was significant about the Battle of Britain?

30. Japan Builds an Empire • Just as in Europe, Japan was seriously affected by the Great Depression. • Strikes, layoffs, and widespread political frustration led to government blame. • Nationalism grew in popularity and demanded a revolution to fix the problems.

31. Japan Builds an Empire • Radicals took control of the government and viewed conquest as a means to fix problems. • Japan needed resources – oil, iron – and invaded Chinese controlled Manchuria in 1931. • Japan conquered most of China and used brutal tactics on citizens.

32. Japan Builds an Empire • United States criticized Japan for its actions against the Chinese. • Japan did not stop and signed an agreement with Germany and Italy. • Japan seizes Indochina and Roosevelt responds be ceasing all trade with Japan.

34. Japan Builds an Empire • The United States, although vocal, practiced neutrality during the beginning of the war. • However, the U.S. did support Great Britain and France by providing war supplies. • The Lend-Lease Program authorized the President to aid any nation whose defense was vital to American security.

35. Japan Builds an Empire • While concerned about Europe – FDR was aware of Japan’s aggression too. • In 1940 FDR limited what Japan could buy from the U.S. • As Japan’s aggression continued, FDR froze Japanese money in the U.S.

36. Japan Builds an Empire • General Hideki Tojo became Prime Minister of Japan in 1941 – he favored war against U.S. • By cracking Japanese code, U.S. became aware of a Japanese attack on U.S. somewhere in Pacific Ocean. • Japan’s goal was to knock the U.S. Navy out of the Pacific with one blow.

37. Japan Builds an Empire • December 7, 1941 – Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, Hawaii – headquarters of the U.S. Pacific fleet. • Attack started at 7:55 a.m. on a Sunday morning. • 180 Japanese planes launched from aircraft carriers armed with bombs and torpedoes.

38. Japan Builds an Empire • Battle lasted just under two hours – 18 U.S. battleships and destroyers were heavily damaged or sunk. • About 300 U.S. planes were destroyed. • Japan only lost 29 planes.

39. Japan Builds an Empire • Over 2,400 American lives were lost, and 1,200 Americans were wounded. • However – none of the U.S. aircraft carriers were damaged – Japan’s prime target. • December 8, 1941 – FDR asked Congress to declare war on Japan – “…a date which live in infamy”. • After Congress declared war on Japan – Germany and Italy declared war on U.S.

47. YOUR TURN TO WRITE • What was American policy during the early years of World War II? • What was Japan hoping to do when they attacked Pearl Harbor? • What events led to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor?

48. Americans Mobilize For War • Even before Pearl Harbor, the U.S. had been preparing to enter the war. • FDR gave his “Four Freedoms speech” called for freedom of speech, worship, want and fear. • Selective Training and Service Act in 1940 was first peacetime draft in nation’s history.

49. Americans Mobilize For War • Nearly 16 million Americans served as soldiers, sailors, and aviators in the war. • Military was different backgrounds – 300,000 Mexican Americans, 25,000 Native Americans. • Navajos developed into “code talkers” to help fight the war – radio operators.