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THE ROAD TO WORLD WAR II THE ROAD TO WORLD WAR II World War Two began on September 1, 1939 with the invasion of Poland by Germany. But, the war’s origins can be traced all the way back to the Versailles Treaty. Really though, it is Hitler’s rise to power that starts to put Europe on the road to war. Could he have been stopped prior to 1939? If so, when should other countries have done something? THE ROAD TO WORLD WAR II That is what you are going to decide! Look at each situation you are given and decide what the appropriate response would have been by other European countries. Be sure to defend your answers. ACTION OR INACTION? Action: What type and how? 1. 2. 3. 4. Warning Economic Sanctions/boycott Conference between nations League of Nations involvement 5. Declaration of war by a single nation 6. Declaration of war by an alliance of nations OR Inaction: Explain why? • • • It is not your business/don’t care The action is not wrong The action does not affect your nation You must pick one of these choices for each situation given. 1931- Japan invades Manchuria (the northeastern part of China). They want a larger empire such as yours (you are the British government). They are highly industrialized and need places from which to get raw materials. Since the end of WWI, you (Britain), France, and even the U.S. have become very pacifistic. War is not something you want again. And, the depression hit in 1929, so this could be a waste of money you cannot afford. But, doing nothing could set a bad tone. How do you respond? 1933 Hitler pulls Germany out of the League of Nations Hitler is elected Chancellor of Germany. You have heard of him and the NAZI party. They were always a fringe group but that is no longer the case. And, there are some people in Britain who think that Hitler is good for Germany. Soon after coming to power Hitler pulls Germany out of the League of Nations. They were required to be members by the Versailles Treaty. What should Britain’s reaction be? 1935 Italy Invades Ethiopia • Italy invaded Ethiopia on the eastern coast of Africa to improve their imperialist position (get colonies). Hitler supported the actions of Mussolini leading to the Rome-Berlin Axis (and soon Tokyo). The Italian army was far more powerful. Haile Selassie, the Ethiopian king, appealed to the League of Nations for help. Sanctions were placed on Italy for violations of international law but the sanctions were not enforced. 1935 Hitler Begins to Re-arm Germany Hitler announces his decision to begin rearming Germany in violation of the Versailles Treaty. You (the British), the French, and others are not happy with this news. But, what can you do? The thought of war does not appeal to you or your citizens and frankly, many people felt the Versailles Treaty was unfair towards Germany. Besides, you are in the middle of a depression and Hitler is a good defense against Communism. What should your reaction be towards Germany? 1936 Hitler re-militarizes Rhineland Hitler begins re-militarizing the Rhineland (it borders France) in direct violation of the Versailles Treaty. The French are mad but the Rhineland was formerly German Territory. Keep in mind the depression and the feeling of pacifism in Britain. What should the British reaction be? 1938 Anschluss Hitler announces a formal union between Germany and Austria (under Hitler’s leadership of course). Hitler wants to unite all the German speaking people in Europe and this goes a long way towards achieving that goal. The Austrian people did “vote” on this but to the British and others such a union does appear threatening. What should the British reaction be? And, yes, the depression is still going on and Hitler is a good blockade against Communism but this is threatening. 1938 Hitler demands Sudetenland Hitler uses the German army to invade the Sudetenland (part of Czechoslovakia) to unite German speaking people there with their “homeland”. The British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain is going to meet with Hitler in Munich over the matter. What should he say to Hitler? Keep in mind the depression, pacifism, and the fact that Hitler is a good defense against Communism. 1938-1939 Hitler takes Czechoslovakia Hitler invades the rest of Czechoslovakia. What should be done? 1939 Hitler invades Poland Hitler is re-taking what was formerly German territory. The Poles did the best they could trying to stop German tanks with mounted cavalry. What should be done?