THE ROAD TO WORLD WAR II

Adolf HitlerHis main goal was to

unify the entire German-speaking world (Volk).

His focus would include Austria and regions inhabited by the Slavs, a lesser people.

LebensraumGermans needed more living space Included Poland and Ukraine which the

Germans would need for food purposes.

Hitler Re-arms Creates a German Air ForceConscription of 500,000

Hitler PactHitler agrees to a non-aggression pact

with Poland (which he breaks later)

League of Nations- a joke?Japan conquers Manchuria.China appeals to the League for help.League does very little.

Italy invades EthiopiaLeague denounces the move and

imposes sanctions against Italy, ineffective.

Rome-Berlin Axis

Alliance between Hitler and Mussolini.

RhinelandGerman sends troops into the

Rhineland, a buffer between Germany and France.

France and Britain appease Hitler.

Maginot LineFrance felt somewhat protected behind

this barrier.

Spanish Civil WarFalangists, fascists led by Francisco

Franco war with republic.Fascists succeed thanks to the support

of Hitler and Mussolini

Anti-Comintern PactJapan allies itself with Germany and

Italy.

Kurt Von SchuschniggLeader of AustriaCalled for a vote on whether to join

Germany or not.

Anschluss Germany unites with Austria

Hitler focuses his attention of the Czechs.

SudetenlandRegion of Czechoslovakia inhabited by

many German-speaking people.

AppeasementChamberlain

“Peace with honour. I believe it is peace for our time.”

March 1939: Hitler invades and take control of of Czechoslovakia.

Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact

Signed in August of 1939.

Soviets agreed to not intercede if Poland was invaded.

Soviets would in turn take over the Baltic States and Romania.

September 1, 1939Poland is invaded by Germany.Britain and France declare war of

Germany two days later.

Homework:Create a detailed time-line highlighting

important events that occurred during World War II.