Download Chapter 17 Lesson 2 Day 1

Early German Victories and Failures
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Decisive victories in Poland,
Denmark, and Norway
Victories over Netherlands,
Belgium, and France and
establishment of Vichy
government
U.S. isolationism and neutrality
The Battle of Britain
Invasion of the Soviet Union
Discussion
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Why do you think the rescue at
Dunkirk strengthened the British
determination to fight Germany?
The British wanted to avenge their loss.
They also might mention that the heroic
efforts to save their soldiers increased
British pride and may have encouraged
the British to continue the fight.
Discussion
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hy did the United States follow a
policy of isolationism in the early
days of World War II?
due to a tradition of isolationism;
because it did not want to become
involved in another conflict like
World War I
Background
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The Lend-Lease Act of 1941 gave the U.S.
president authority to send military goods—such
as ammunition, tanks, and airplanes—to any
nation whose defense was believed vital to the
United States. It also gave the president wide
discretion in deciding what to ask for in return for
such aid, thus overriding the "cash-and-carry"
law that had required nations to pay for American
military goods with cash. The Lend-Lease Act was
passed primarily to help Great Britain, but aid
was soon extended to the Soviet Union and other
countries. By the end of the war, some $49 billion
in military aid had been sent to more than 40
nations.
Discussion
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Why did Hitler decide to bomb
British cities rather than military
targets?
In retaliation for an attack on Berlin;
to break British morale
Discussion
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Why is the morale of citizens
important during wartime?
If morale is high, citizens might be
more supportive of the war effort. If
morale is low, citizens might want to
stop fighting and end the war.
Discussion
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Was Hitler's change in strategy
successful?
No. Britain used the opportunity to
rebuild its air strength and continue
the fight against Germany.
Discussion
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Why was control of the skies key
to the Battle of Britain?
If the Germans tried to invade
Britain without control of the air,
their troops and ships would be
vulnerable to attacks by British
warplanes.