Ch. 21, Sec. 1, World War II, Part I1939 - 1941

“We pulled together and won!”Research, examine, and explain the role of the United States and North Carolina

during WWII. What were the causes, events, and effects of this worldwide struggle for survival?

The most destructive conflict in the history of mankind began when the German Army, or “Wermacht,” invaded the country of Poland on September 1, 1939. Less than a week later, England, France, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa,

and India were at war with Nazi Germany and later on Italy and Japan.

Poland In.

Adolf Hitler

Adolf Hitler

The start of World War II is mostly attributed to the aspirations of one man

and one organization: Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party.

A native from Austria, Hitler climbed the social ladder to become the Chancellor of

Germany in 1933.

Blaming the German defeat in World War I on the Jews and other political groups,

Hitler and the Nazi Party established the “Third Reich,” of which their primary goal was to invade and conquer all of Europe and destroy anyone that got in their way.

Hitler and the Nazis were also responsible for the Holocaust or the “Final Solution,” which caused the murder of six million

Jews.

Hitler, along with the leaders of Italy and Japan, introduced a new form of government often called, Totalitarianism. This is a type of government that

challenges democracy and capitalism and believes that the government, usually under one leader or dictator, has to have total control over the lives of its citizens.

This type of government came into power shortly after the end of World War I. The people of Germany and Italy were particularly disgruntled at this time as they had

suffered from losing World War I, the Versailles Treaty and also from the Great Depression.

Y6

Inexplicably, the German people called Hitler, “Der Fuhrer” and came to see him as a savior for the German people.

Using Blitzkrieg or “Lighting War” tactics, the German war machine overran Poland in mere days, thus shocking the world at their ability. The Blitzkrieg tactics used

consisted of using the latest in aircraft, armor, and infantry to completely demoralize and totally overwhelm the enemy with superior firepower and movements.

German infantry and tanks, called “Panzers” on the move utilizing Blitzkrieg tactics.

The start of this war was the climax in a series of warlike actions that had been taken since 1931 by Germany, Italy, and Japan. They were determined, however, to

conquer the civilized world and all of its people and resources.

German Infantry

For the next several months, the armies of Nazi Germany

looked as though they would invade and conquer all of

Europe.After taking Poland, Germany

then invaded Denmark, Norway, Belgium, The

Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

On June 5, 1940, Germany invaded its largest rival, France. In less than a

month, France surrendered to Germany in the same railroad car in which France had forced Germany to sign the papers ending World War I!

Adolf Hitler and his Nazi, “Third Reich” were now at the height of

their power. All that remained was the island of Great Britain.

Y8

Nazi Germany, 1942

The Battle of BritainIn August of 1940, the German Air Force, or Luftwaffe, began air attacks on England. For the next several weeks, hundreds of German planes swarmed across the English

Channel and bombed targets in England from top to bottom.

According to the German plan, the air offensive was to then be followed by a huge German invasion. If this were to occur, then nothing would stand in the way of

Hitler and the Nazi hordes dominating all of Europe.

Fortunately for the world, the British held and the Royal Air Force destroyed the German

planes at an irreplaceable rate. Because of sheer tenacity and

luck, the Germans were defeated and unable to conquer the island

nation.

Throughout August and September, 1940, the Battle of Britain became one of the most

important battles in world history.

For a brief time, the British became the only free-world nation in all of Europe, barely hanging on by a thread. What would the United States do?

Battle Britain

The Allies of World War II

Among a host of member nations, the largest and most powerful were the United

States, Great Britain, and Russia.

The Axis PowersNazi Germany, Imperial Japan, Imperial Italy. Their association became known

as the Tripartite Alliance.

1. Why do you think that after being defeated in World War I, Germany again started World War II. List at least three reasonable reasons to support your

answer.

2. Explain how Adolph Hitler, who never had any claim to fame, rose to power in Germany after World War I and how he led an entire race of people to

destruction. Could something like this ever happen again? Why or why not?

3. How is Totalitarianism different from the Republic we live in? List at least three differences among the two.

4. How did the German Army revolutionize warfare at this time?

5. Describe how Great Britain held out to the last and prevailed against the German onslaught. What do you think would have happened to the course of

history if England would have fallen like the rest of Europe?