Download Chapter 17 WWII: Road to War Dictators in the Soviet Union, Italy

Chapter 17 WWII: Road to War
Dictators in the Soviet Union, Italy, Germany and Spain formed brutal, repressive governments in the
1920’s and 1930’s. They were motivated by their political beliefs and desire for power.
I.
The Rise of Dictators
A. Joseph Stalin dominated the Soviet Union by using tactics of terror and purges
B. Mussolini used gangs of Fascist thugs to terrorize his opponents.
C. In Germany Nazism grows, it is an extreme form of Fascism.
D. Hitler looks to increase German “Lebensraum” (living space) by expanding into Eastern
Europe toward the Soviet Union.
E. The Axis powers are so named for “axis” between Berlin and Rome.
F. Aggressive foreign policies of the 1930’s
1. Many Germans and Italians resented the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, Germans
felt humiliated by it and Italians felt short changed by it.
2. Japanese leaders resented their dependence on other nations, for resources such as
petroleum and iron.
3. All three nations, Germany, Italy and Japan viewed aggression as a justified means
to solving their economic and political problems and gaining national pride.
After war began in September 1939, Germany easily conquered Poland, France, and several smaller
countries. Britain successfully defended itself against German air attacks.
II.
Europe Goes to War
A. Although traditionally enemies, Germany’s Hitler and the Soviet Union’s Stalin make a
non aggression pact, whereas both promise not to invade the other.
B. After Hitler’s pact is made with Stalin the Germans immediately invade Poland.
C. 340,000 troops are rescued from the port city of Dunkirk and taken back to Great
Britain.
D. During the Battle of Britain, the British are able to successfully defend themselves
against the German air attack.
The Japanese military expand Japan’s power into China and Southeast Asia. The Military begins to
dominate all of the Japanese government.
III.
Japan Builds and Empire
A. In 1853 Commodore Mathew Perry sails into the Japanese harbor of Tokyo Bay and
forced Japan to open its markets to foreigners.
B. In 1932 Manchuria is taken over by the Japanese military. It is renamed “Manchukuo”.
C. In September 1940 Japan allies itself with the Axis Powers.
D. Allies ship supplies to the Chinese via the Burma Road, which is a 700 mile long highway
linking Burma (present day Myanmar) to China.
E. Japan begins the “Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere” in order to dominate the
region and control its natural resources for the war against China.
F. Leaders use similar methods to transform their nations into world powers.
1. First they build up the military and prepare to invade neighboring lands.
2. Next they invade and take over other weaker countries to have access to their
natural resources.
3. Thirdly, this kind of aggression bolsters national pride and helps to improve their
economies.
The US foreign policy begins to change slowly from neutrality to a strong support for the Allies. Japans
surprise attack on Pearl Harbor immediately brought the US into the war with the full support of the
American people.
IV.
From Isolationism to War
A. During the 1930’s the US was focused largely on domestic affairs.
B. The America First Committee wanted to block any further aid to Britain.
C. After WWII began, the US remained neutral, but continued to supply Britain with war
material.
D. Japanese leaders believed they could cripple the US presents in Southeast Asia if they
knocked out the US Naval fleet at Pearl Harbor. So a surprise attack was carried out by
Japan.
E. The US abandons all attempts at neutrality after the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor.
F. The US declares war on Japan after the attack at Pearl Harbor. Then on December the
11th Germany and Italy declare war on the US.