Leading up to the War, Hitler's first Actions
The Great Depression, which took place in the United States, was a big factor in the rise of World War 2 because it left the German economy in tatters. In the 1930's Adolf Hitler took advantage of this by inciting German nationalism and violating the Treaty of Versailles when he rearmed the country. In 1936, Hitler violated the Treaty of Versailles again by having German troops occupy the Rhineland. Two years after that Hitler demanded that Sudetenland be surrendered to Germany. Although, Great Britain and France distrusted Hitler they agreed to a policy of appeasement. This resulted in Chamberlain and Hitler signing the Munich Pact.
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Stalin, Mussolini, Tojo, and Hitler: The Rise of Dictators
/nazismAfter defeating Czar Nicholas in 1917, Joseph Stalin had accomplished a total dictatorship by the year 1930. Stalin had set two major goals: modernize the industry and increase agricultural production. In 1928, Stalin set out a 5-year-plan to accomplish these goals. During the execution of his plan those who resisted to do labor were put in camps or killed, millions of other people were killed by lack of food (famine) as well. However, his plan resulted in astounding success so he gained support from the people. To strengthen his control of the communist party Stalin would arrest political officers, and even kill military and political leaders. This was known as The Great Purge.
Italy was facing problems with inflation and labor strikes after World War 1. Benito Mussolini capitalized on Italy's struggle to become a dictator. "In 1919, Mussolini founded the first Fascist Party." (TCi). Fascists oppose democracy and peace while supporting communism and violence. Mussolini used his charisma to spark fascism and violence in Italy. Fascism quickly swept over Italy and Mussolini was in control to take over the country. He aimed to transform it into a European power similar to the likes of Ancient Rome.
In 1919, Adolf Hitler became part of a fascist party better known as the Nazi Party. Nazi's believed that they were in conflict with "Aryan" people (those who were different from the Nazis/Nazism). Hitler developed this ideal while he was behind bars. He wrote this philosophy in his book "Mein Kampf". The economic depression caused by the U.S. allowed Hitler to preach his ideas and gain support. He appealed to many people and was later named P.M. of Germany. As the leader of Germany Hitler began prepping Germany for dominance. The Third Reich also persecuted Jews and other minorities, placing them into concentration camps.
In the 30s, Japan forgot about citizens and adopted a militaristic and nationalist policy. Japan wanted to expand it's territory and economy. In 1932, a military group assassinated the Prime Minister who was replaced by General Hideki Tojo. Tojo took vast actions to prepare Japan for war.
Italy was facing problems with inflation and labor strikes after World War 1. Benito Mussolini capitalized on Italy's struggle to become a dictator. "In 1919, Mussolini founded the first Fascist Party." (TCi). Fascists oppose democracy and peace while supporting communism and violence. Mussolini used his charisma to spark fascism and violence in Italy. Fascism quickly swept over Italy and Mussolini was in control to take over the country. He aimed to transform it into a European power similar to the likes of Ancient Rome.
In 1919, Adolf Hitler became part of a fascist party better known as the Nazi Party. Nazi's believed that they were in conflict with "Aryan" people (those who were different from the Nazis/Nazism). Hitler developed this ideal while he was behind bars. He wrote this philosophy in his book "Mein Kampf". The economic depression caused by the U.S. allowed Hitler to preach his ideas and gain support. He appealed to many people and was later named P.M. of Germany. As the leader of Germany Hitler began prepping Germany for dominance. The Third Reich also persecuted Jews and other minorities, placing them into concentration camps.
In the 30s, Japan forgot about citizens and adopted a militaristic and nationalist policy. Japan wanted to expand it's territory and economy. In 1932, a military group assassinated the Prime Minister who was replaced by General Hideki Tojo. Tojo took vast actions to prepare Japan for war.
The League Defers
As America opted for a policy of isolationism, Japan seized control of Manchuria. Manchuria was a Chinese territory rich in resources, and it's capture sparked the beginning of a military takeover. When asked by the League of Nations to abandon the captured land, Japan refused and dropped out of the group. Japan still land hungry, started a war with China overtaking their key cities. By the end of 1937, Japan controlled China's rich farmland. Roosevelt spoke out in opposition of these actions and encouraged peace among nations, a great attempt that resulted in no reaction. Instead, Japan went on to capture Indochina, Taiwan, Korea, and small islands. As the League failed to provide repercussions, Hitler and Mussolini became allies signing the Rome-Berlin Axis. They both supported the invasion of Ethiopia, and also sought to help the rebel group win the Spanish Civil War. Hitler crosses into the Rhineland and Czech Republic, taking Sudetenland; while the U.S. passes acts to stay neutral.
War Begins
After Hitler gained his province, he set his eyes on new land... Prague. He broke the Munich Pact and France and Britain declared war. Hitler shrugged this off by signing a nonaggression pact with Stalin. Hitler still planned to attack the Soviet Union anyways. On September 1, 1939 he attacked Poland using blitzkrieg warfare. On October 1, Hitler and Stalin practically ran the country. Without much happening on the Western front Americans started to believe this war wasn't legitimate. To their suprise, Germany attacked Denmark and Norway, drove into France causing France to retreat. Hitler and Mussolini formed the axis powers just before causing France to surrender 3/5 of their territory to Germany.
After France's surrender, Britain now was the only opposition to the axis. In reflection of this at a speech before the House of Commons, Churchill said, "We shall not flag nor fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight . . . on the seas and oceans; we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air. We shall defend our island whatever the cost may be; we shall fight on the beaches, landing grounds, in fields, in streets and on the hills. We shall never surrender." (TCi). In the fall of 1940, Germany began to conduct raids and attacks on Britain. To oppose these attacks Britain used services of the RAF in The Battle of Britain.
After France's surrender, Britain now was the only opposition to the axis. In reflection of this at a speech before the House of Commons, Churchill said, "We shall not flag nor fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight . . . on the seas and oceans; we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air. We shall defend our island whatever the cost may be; we shall fight on the beaches, landing grounds, in fields, in streets and on the hills. We shall never surrender." (TCi). In the fall of 1940, Germany began to conduct raids and attacks on Britain. To oppose these attacks Britain used services of the RAF in The Battle of Britain.
The U.S. Enters War
In 1939, Roosevelt began to rearm the country, inching away from neutrality. It was September of 1940 when Japan, Italy, and Germany formed the Tripartite Pact and completed the axis alliance. In response the U.S. signed the Selective Service Act, creating the draft, which enlisted 16,000,000 Americans. As America began to go bankrupt, congress passed an act to allow the U.S. to lease arms to Britain (lend-lease act). The United States also leased weapons to the U.S.S.R after Hitler attacked them in 1941. Finally, on December 8, 1941 the U.S. declared war on Japan after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Germany and Italy, as Japan's allies then declared war on the U.S.