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This detailed narrative chronicles the aggressive expansion of Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1939, marking key events that paved the way to World War II. It highlights Hitler's removal of Germany from the League of Nations, violations of the Treaty of Versailles, the occupation of the Rhineland, and the annexation of Austria and Czechoslovakia. The analysis includes the Munich Agreement's failed appeasement strategy, Hitler’s justifications for his territorial demands, and the eventual invasion of Poland, which ignited the war. Understanding these movements sheds light on the dangers of appeasement and the complexities of pre-war politics.
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The War in Europe Appeasement & Aggression
Hitler Makes a Move • 1933: Hitler removes Germany from the League of Nations
Hitler Makes a Move • 1935: Hitler violates the Treaty of Versailles • Massive arms buildup • Occupation of the Rhineland
Hitler Makes a Move • League of Nations does NOTHING!
Hitler Makes a Move • 1937: Hitler met with top military advisors
Hitler Makes a Move • Wanted the land of neighboring nations • Austria & Czechoslovakia • Risky move…why?
Hitler Makes a Move • Austria: • Initially formed after World War I • Population: 6 million • Majority of population was German
Hitler Makes a Move • Czechoslovakia: • Sudetenland; western border region of Czechoslovakia • 3 million German-speaking people in region
Hitler Makes a Move • 1st target: Austria • Most Austrians supported unification with Germany • 1938: Germany entered Austria; faced NO opposition • Official union
Hitler Makes a Move • Czechoslovakia & Sudetenland: • Hitler’s goal annexation; more land & natural resources
Hitler Makes a Move • Claimed that Sudeten Germans were being abused by the Czechs Hitler’s justification for the annexation
Hitler Makes a Move • The Munich Agreement: • France & Great Britain • Allowed Hitler to have Czechoslovakia as it was his “last territorial demand”
Chamberlin (Great Britain’s Prime Minister) believes peace has been made Not peace, but APPEASEMENT; giving in to avoid war Hitler Makes a Move
Hitler has Lied?!?! • Hitler goes back on his word… WANTS MORE LAND! • Next…on to Poland… • Large German-speaking population • Hitler accuses the Polish of abusing Germans
Hitler Keeps on Moving • What could happen if Hitler attacked Poland? • Hitler’s Predicament?
Hitler Keeps on Moving • Attack on Poland had the potential to: • Spur conflict between Germany & Soviet Union • Provoke war with France & Great Britain who had promised to protect Poland
Hitler Keeps on Moving • Was Hitler bluffing?? • Big Problem?? • Two-Front War..?
Hitler Keeps on Moving • Germany & Soviet Union: • Nonaggression Pact (1939) • Signed by Hitler & Stalin • Surprising move on Stalin’s part – WHY?
Hitler Keeps on Moving • Hitler & Stalin also signed a secret pact promising to divide Poland evenly
Hitler Keeps on Moving • Hitler invades Poland & utilized Blitzkrieg, or “lightning war” • Sudden & massive attack that combines air and ground forces
World War II Begins • France & Great Britain declare war on Germany • Hitler takes most of Western Poland; Stalin invades from the east & takes over • World War II has begun…
U.S. Response • Neutrality… • Pressing for peace • Planning for war