How World War II Started

1
How World War II Started

• No Nation Untouched

2
The Rise of Fascism

• Fascism Philosophy of placing importance of the
  nation above the individual
• Italy and Germany embraced this philosophy by the
  need of rebuilding strength.
• Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler
• Totalitarian leaders use of terror to suppress
  individuals and opposition

3
Leadership

• Mussolini
• Il Duce The Leader
• Suspended elections, outlawed other political
  parties and established dictatorship
• Followed motto The Country is Nothing Without
  Conquest by invading Ethiopia in October 1935.

4
Leadership

• Hitler
• Joined National Socialist German Workers party
  in 1919 (also known as the ______ party)
• Powerful speaking ability made him a leader
• While in jail for political uprising, wrote Mein
  Kampf (My Struggle) and outlined Nazi party views
  and German problems (Jews).
• Soon after became Der Fuhrer or The Leader by
  winning election and eliminating opposition

5
Europe in War

• Mussolini and Hitler make alliance in 1936
• Both men wanted to push their views and powers
  across Europe
• Germany, Italy and later joined by Japan became
  known as the Axis Powers
• Germany began taking countries by force including
  Austria and Czechoslovakia

6
Europe in War

• After Germany threatened Poland, France and
  Britain declared war.
• Germany quickly seized Poland with a military
  method called blitzkrieg or lightning war.
• Blitzkrieg Quick air strikes, tanks and
  artillery to overpower larger militias in this
  case Poland.

7
Nazis Advance Further

• The advancing German captured many countries in
  three-month period
• Denmark
• Norway
• Belgium
• Netherlands
• France (May 10 June 14)

8
Battle of Britain

• Nazis next target was Britain
• From December 1940 June 1941, Nazis launched
  the greatest air assault in history to date.
• 1,000 planes a day bombed Britain
• Hitler finally decided to end bombing and Britain
  used this as a spirit of defiance.

9
Japans Emerging Empire

• Depression also hit Japan hard economically
• Japan saw how Germany and Italy were expanding
  control in its region and wanted much the same in
  Asia
• Islands that were colonies of Europeans were easy
  targets
• FDR angered by these efforts began imposing trade
  sanctions

10
American Involvement

• Isolationism America would stay out of other
  nations quarrels
• FDR however saw that war was probably unavoidable
  and started to help other countries
• Lend-Lease Act (March 1941) Aid any nation
  whose defense was believed to be vital to
  American security We must be the great arsenal
  of democracy.