world war ii. totalitarianism what was world war ii? 1939 – 1945 u.s. joined in 1941 axis powers...
TRANSCRIPT
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