Warm-Up

What was the Treaty of Versailles?

Do you think the treaty was fair? If not, how come? Who was it unfair to?

Causes of WWII- Group Discussion

As a group, write down a few reasons as to why you think World War II began in Europe? Think about:▪ Prior knowledge (World History class, etc)▪ Treaty of Versailles▪ Great Depression

Dictators Threaten World Peace Nationalism- loyalty to one’s

country above all else Totalitarianism- individuals

have no rights, and the government suppresses all opposition

Communism- an economic and political system based on one-party government and state ownership of property

Socialism-economic system characterized by social ownership

Fascism- form of nationalism that placed the interests of the state above the interests of the individual

Causes of World War II

Treaty of Versailles Fascism- Conflict between- Communism and

Fascism Spanish Civil War

Appeasement Japanese Imperialism

Post WWI Problems

Treaty of Versailles- (Ended WWI, between Germany and the Allies – France Britain, USA, Italy is a bad treaty and causes resentment

by Germans Germans lose land Can not have an Air force or large Army Must pay huge debts Must take the blame for the war

Why is the Treaty of Versailles a cause for World War II?

Later Hitler will use this as an excuse to reassert Germany military power.

He will try to reverse the Treaty of Versailles.

He will build the army, air force and try to get the land Germany lost in WWI.

Timeline 1919-1939

Conflict Between Communism and Fascism First successful communist revolution

occurs in Russia during World War I Subsequently, Communists become active

throughout the world trying to replicate the revolution, especially in Europe-

Socialists gain popularity in all countries of Europe- which causes Right Wing* groups to rise in opposition. (Italy and Germany, and later Spain)

**Right Wing- means capitalist, believe in Private Property and profit

Fascism

A political/cultural movement and form of government characterized by:

Use of Violence Anti Communist Capitalism and government

cooperation Unity of people through culture Efficiency Expansionist-want more land

United States Responds to Europe

Isolationism- doctrine or policy of isolating one’s country from the affairs of other nations. 1930’s- books argued that the U.S. was dragged into

WWI by greedy bankers and arms dealers North Dakota Senator Gerald Nye- Nye Committee

documented these charges

Neutrality Acts- passed by Congress in 1935, outlawed arms sales or loans to nations at war (first two acts) Third Act- passed in response to fighting in Spain

▪ Extended the ban to nations engaged in Civil War

Ways Around Neutrality

Japanese Invasion/Attack on China Japan hadn’t formally declared war, U.S.

sent supplies to China “Quarantine Speech”- October 5, 1937

(page 535)▪ Roosevelt decides that neutrality is no longer

possible▪ U.S. needs to stand against aggressors

▪ Isolationist Newspapers protested against Roosevelt who then backed down

Germany Expands

March 12, 1938- Germany invades Austria unopposed One day later, Germany announces a union with Austria

Czechoslovakia (Sudetenland) 3 million German-speaking people and important natural resources Germany accused Czechs of abusing Sudeten Germans Munich Agreement- French Premier and British Prime Minister meet with Hitler▪ “Last territorial demand”▪ Appeasement - Churchill called out Neville Chamberlain

Lebensraum- “Living Room”

America Goes to War G.B. and U.S. head into war

Pressured by Stalin, FDR and Churchill oppose to the idea and begin Operation Torch (Nov. 1942-May 1943)▪ Invasion of Axis-controlled North Africa▪ Dwight D. Eisenhower

D-Day

While are Allies battling in Italy in 1943, they begin plans for a massive invasion into France Operation Overlord- commanded by

Eisenhower