Axis Aggression and the Outbreak of World War II

2. Chapter 14.1-Axis Aggression Main Idea In the late 1930s Germany, Italy, and Japan used military force to build empires. Their aggressive actions led to the outbreak of World War II.

3. After World War I Treaty of Versailles seriously damaged German economy Adolf Hitler came to power Promised to restore Germany’s greatness Wants to unite allGerman speaking people of Europe Hitler wanted more territory Neighbors aware of threat Memories of World War I still fresh No one willing to fight over words Germany Expands

5. Rebuilding the German Military • Secretly rebuilt military • Unchallenged—openly stated plan to re-arm Germany • 1935- Signed treaty with Britain to build subs and warships • Claimed resisting spread of communism—but empire building • Militarizing the Rhineland • 1936 German armed force sent to the Rhineland • Located between Germany and France • French and British complained no direct action taken • German troops remained  Hitler grew bolder

6. The Axis forms Spanish Civil War 1936 • Military force to achieve goals • Anti-Comintern Pact • Germany and Japan • Prevent spread of communism • Oppose USSR • Axis Powers- Italy, Germany, Japan • Pledge aid in eventof war • Italy and Germany support fascist Nationalists • Soviet Union supports Republicans • Nationalists win after years of fighting • Francisco Franco • Fascist dictator Alliances and Civil War Hitler builds alliances with other totalitarian governments.

7. Hitler’s demands Aggressive moves • Hitler demanded Austrian officials to accept annexation • Formal joining of lands • Initial Austrian resistance • Britain and France did nothing • March 1938-unopposed German forces take over Austria • Europeans eager to avoid war • Hitler targets Austria • German-speaking country • Hitler’s birthplace • Nazi supporters in Austria Annexing Austria 1938

8. Czechoslovakia 1938 • Sudetenland eager to be a part of Germany • Large German-speaking population wanted to join Germany • Hitler threatened the Czech government • Czechs prepared for war • Avoiding conflict • September 1938—meeting in Munich • Chamberlain (British) and Daladier (French) agreed not to block Hitler • Czechs had no support in a war • Policy of appeasement • Appeasement—giving in to aggressive demands in order to avoid war • Winston Churchill and others opposed the policy

10. Germany and Soviet Union on opposite sides Spanish Civil War No direct conflict Axis Powers united against Soviet Union Soviet leader Joseph Stalin threatened by German expansion France and Britain discuss possible alliance with Soviet Union Stalin did not trust British or French In secret negotiations with Germans Instead signs German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact Each side agreed not to attack the other allowed further German aggression in Europe Secret section divided up territory, Poland, in Eastern Europe News shocked British and French A Secret Deal with Stalin

11. The War Begins • September 1, 1939 • Germany attacked Poland • World War II begins • Blitzkrieg or “lightning war” • Devastating effects • Polish air force destroyed • Soldiers fought; no match for German forces • No natural barriers in the way • Support for Poland • Britain and France declared war on Germany • Allies form with 19 countries • German troops in position • On Germany’s western border • Hitler eager for assault on France • Plans for invasion made

13. 1940–1941 • Attack on France • Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, and Belgium were captured • Tank attack through Ardennes Forest (natural barrier) • overwhelmed light resistance • France surrendered to Germany in June 1940 • Vichy, France- remained until French control but cooperated with Hitler • Battle for Britain • Great Britain stood alone against German war machine • British radar technology was secret weapon for air defense • British stood firm during Battle of Britain • Hitler called off invasion plans

14. Invasion of the Soviet Union • June 1941, Hitler’s invades the Soviet Union • 3 million troops sent to Russia • Very successful blitzkrieg attack • Major goals of were to capture cities of Leningrad and Moscow • not reached before harsh Soviet winter • German soldiers/equipment not prepared for conditions • Soviet armies had time to rebuild and would fight back

15. Pearl Harbor Dec 7, 1941 Two-hour attack • Japan sent ships to Hawaii • Surprise attack on U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet • Fighters and bombers launched from carriers • Raid a success • Destruction/Heavy casualties • 2,400 dead • 200 planes gone • Eight battleships sunk • Three carriers survived Japan Attacks • Japan’s alliance with Germany was seen as a sign of a war plan. • Japan sent forces to Indochina for resources of oil and rubber. • US bans the sale of oil to Japan • Hideki Tojo held peace talks with the U.S. but planned for war.

16. Isolationism • Attack had profound effect • Ended desire to stay out of Europe’s war • War declared on Japan • Germany and Italy declare war on U.S. • Allies vs. Axis