Download World War II

World War II
Totalitarianism
What was World War II?
• 1939 – 1945
• U.S. Joined in 1941
Allied Powers
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Vs.
Axis Powers
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?
What Caused World War II?
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The Great Depression
Treaty of Versailles
Nationalism and Racism
Euro-history contraction and unification
Two Theatres
Europe First
FDR and the
Military
leaders
agreed that
most of
America’s
attention
needed to be
focused on
Europe early
in the war.
Adolf Hitler
• Decorated
soldier in
WWI
(Corporal)
• Failed at Art
School
• Grandmother
was
“illegitimate”
Rise of the Nazis
Beer Hall Putsch: Failed attempt to take over
the German government
Mein Kampf
Hitler used his time
in jail to write this
book which is
translated “My
Struggle.” In it he
explains his plans
and strongly hints at
his Anti-Semitism.
Hitler appointed Chancellor by
Hindenburg
German
politicians tried to
appease the
Nazis by
appointing Hitler
to this position
where they felt
they could control
him
The Burning of the Reichstag
The Reichstag was Germany’s Congress. It
burned to the ground. Most people believe the
Nazis did it; but the Nazis blamed others and
declared martial law.
Krystalnacht
Nazi oppression of
the Jews became
official on
Kristallnacht “The
night of broken
glass”
German Steps to War
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Occupy the Saar
Occupy the Rhineland
The Anschlus (peaceful annex of Austria)
Occupy the Sudetenland (given by G.B.)
Taking All of Czechoslovakia
THE INVASION OF POLAND!!!!!
Denmark, Romania, Bulgaria and Norway
all fall.
Nazi-Soviet Pact
• Germany and
the USSR
agree to
divide Poland
in half and
leave each
other alone.
Invasion of Poland
The first use of blitzkrieg
The official start of World War II
Blitzkrieg
• “Lightning War”
• Strike at the
weakest point
in a line
• Use all types of
power quickly
and with
coordination
• Get behind the
lines and cause
chaos
The Phoney War
• September 1939 – May 1940
• England and France have declared war on
Germany, but nothing happens on the
western front.
The Maginot Line
A 700 mile long
series of
fortresses and
defensive
structures built by
the French.
The Miracle of Dunkirk
Thousands of
boats rescue
300,000 trapped
English and
French soldiers
on the shores of
the English
Channel.
Battle of Britain
An air battle fought
between the German
(Luftwaffe) and
English (RAF) air
forces. Hitler
switched in the
middle and began
bombing civilians
instead of military
targets.
North African Campaign
Infantry and
tanks secure
North Africa
and give us a
take off point
to attack Italy.
Invasion of Russia
Hitler goes back
on his word
and attacks
Russia. Why?
The Germans
get slowed in
the winter and
lose at
Stalingrad
Stalingrad
The most
decisive
battle of
the war
and
Hitler’s
greatest
loss.
The Italian Campaign
Allies work north from Sicily to the Alps. It is
very costly.
Monte Casino
Biggest
Battle in
the Italian
Campaign
D-Day
The allies first presence on the continent in 3
years. It is the beginning of the end.
D-Day
Saturation Bombing
Night time
bombing
raids
weaken the
German
war
machine.
Yalta Conference
The USSR,
England and
the USA divide
up Europe for
post-war
responsibilities
.
Yalta Conference
The Battle of the Bulge
Hitler’s last
offensive
It almost
works
Battle of the Bulge
Discovery of the Death Camps
Death of Hitler
Little Boy
Fat Man