World War II. Totalitarianism What was World War II? 1939 – 1945 U.S. Joined in 1941 Axis Powers...

World War II

Totalitarianism

What was World War II?

• 1939 – 1945

• U.S. Joined in 1941

Axis Powers

Vs.

Allied Powers

? ? ?

? ? ?

What Caused World War II?

• 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

• 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 PolandThe 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