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WWII
“This nation will remain a neutral
nation, but I cannot ask that
every American remain neutral in
thought as well.” FDR, 1939
Dictators Threaten World Peace
Mussolini, Dictator of Italy. Extreme
Nationalism, and Militaristic.
 Hitler, Germany. Extreme Racism and
militaristic. Nazi Party.
 Stalin, Soviet Union, Communist,
Revolution by workers.
 Japan, Military Leaders.

Reasons for Rise of Dictatorships
Economic Turmoil: World wide depression,
Germany paying war reparations
 Sagging National Spirit: Restore past
glories

Italy
Individual had no rights.
 Only the “state” is important
 Restore past glory of Rome
 Gain overseas colonies: attacked Ethiopia
1935

Russia
Aimed to be an industrial giant.
 Initiated the “Great Purge” 3 million
political opponents removed.
 Stopped political, religious, and human
rights.
 Wanted communism to spread

Japan
Military groups in 1920’s
 Revive Samurai Code-Glorify Warriors
 Engage in naval armament race with Great
Britain
 Look to expand, and gain raw materials
for industry
 Looks at the U.S. as the chief rival of the
U.S.

Germany
Created the National Socialist Party: Nazis
 Hitler: Tremendous motivator of the
masses
 Restore national pride
 Promised order out of chaos.
 Germany’s problems blamed on the Jews,
International Bankers, Communists, Old
German Leaders, and nations who signed
the Treaty of Versailles

Hitler
Wrote “Mein Kampf” in jail and plans a new
German Empire (Reich) that would last 100
years.
 Belief that Germans are the master race and all
other races such as Jews, Slavs were inferior
and less than human.
 Final Solution: Exterminate Jews from the earth.
 Dictatorship was the only form of government
that would work. Give power to the strong.

Members of the Nazi Hierarchy
Herman Goerring: Leader of Luftwaffe,
old-time friend of Hitler
 Heinrich Himmler: Head of Nazi SS, in
charge of dealing with the final solution
 Joseph Goebels: Minister of Propaganda,
kept final solution a secret.
 Rudolph Hess: Head of Gestapo (Secret
Police)

Minister of Propaganda
Hitler’s Goals/Movement Towards
War
Restore National Pride
 Regain lost territory
 Gain living space
 Destroy Bolshevism
 Purify Europe: Final Solution

German Territorial Acquisitions
1936: Germany marches into Rhineland.
Mussolini and Hitler signs Rome-Berlin Axis
 1938: German marches into Austria to quiet civil
disorder, next day Austria is declared part of
Germany
 Hitler demands Czechoslovakia to evacuate the
Sudentland. Policy of appeasement is at its
highest, Sudentland is signed over.

Germany can’t achieve goals
England has radar
 German planes too far to fly no escort
 Do not stick to original plan of eliminating
RAF

U.S. Increases involvement
Involvement with lend-lease program
 FDR worries allies will run out of money
 Becomes arsenal of democracy
 7 billion $ for ships, planes, tanks

Amer. Involvement
American warships begin convoy duty
 Atlantic charter August 1941 Roosevelt
meets with Churchill to discuss the post
war world.
 Countries have the right to determine their
own government.
 Japan sees America as a sleeping giant,
U.S. will enter war after the attack on
Pearl Harbor.

Benito Mussolini
Joseph Stalin
Nazi Propaganda
“I have seen war, and I hate war.”
FDR