Origins of WWII

When should the U.S go to war?

Do Now: In your

notebook identify

each individual

, their political system,

and their country of origin

1 2

3 4

Origins of WWII: DirectionsNow that we have discovered how these dictators/militarist came to

power, we will examine how their actions started the second World War.

• Outline in black action boxes that you would categorize as militarily/politically aggressive.

• Outline in another color reaction boxes that you would categorize as weak or demonstrating appeasement.

4. When you have completed all of the boxes, color-code them to organize your notes as follows:

3. In each “what was the response from western powers” box, write a brief summary of how Britain, France or the United States reacted to the action column. Use your textbook and Decision-Making reading to respond.

2. In each “what would you do?” box, use the Decision-Making” reading to provide some ideas of how you would respond as one of the leaders of the United States.

1. Write a summary of each event in the “summary of action” section in each box.

This info will come from your decision making packet OR textbook (starting on page 532.)

Assume the role of FDR, and pick the decision you think would be the best.

Again need textbook and packet for this.

This will be completed at the end of the activity

1936 19371935

Germany remilitarizes & sends troops into Rhineland

-Hitler began a military buildup and sent troops into Rhineland, a German region bordering France and Belgium.

-Germany broke the Treaty of Versailles.

-Significance of action: Demonstrates Nazi Aggression.

Italy invades Ethiopia

-Tens of thousands of Italian soldiers invaded Ethiopia, a weak African Nation

-Violate treaties by using poison gas

-Significance of Action: Demonstrates how weak the League of Nations is.

Spanish Civil War

-Civil War breaks out in Spain

-Germany and Italy support the fascist rebels

-Italy and Germany form an alliance, The Rome-Berlin Axis

-Significance of action: Alliance is formed.

Japanese troops in Nanjing (China Proper)

-Full scale invasion of China, killing hundreds of thousands of civilians

-Bombed the U.S.S Panay; Japan claimed it was an accident and didn’t know it was an American Ship

-59% of Americans favor China over Japan

-Significance of action: Americans questioned Japan’s honesty.

Response: The League of Nations did nothing to stop Hitler. U.S stays out.

Response: L.O.N responded with talk of “collective resistance to all acts of unprovoked aggression” but when invasion starting Italy received no more than a slap on the wrist. Attempted an oil embargo, but the U.S. did not agree- supplies over 50% of the world’s oil

Response: The Western Democracies remained neutral.

Response: U.S questions neutrality and aid to China but remains neutral-FDR sends note to Japan

FDR’s Goals prior to 19361. Slow down the

world’s drift towards war.

2. Keep the U.S. out of war if one does occur.

Neutrality Acts- U.S. will not SELL weapons to any warring countries.

19391938

German Anschluss (union) with Austria

-Germany took control of Austria calling it “annexation” and claiming that Austrians wanted German rule.

-Mistreatment of Austria Jews

-Significance of action: Violation of Treaty of Versailles

Germany marches into Sudetenland (Munich Conference)

-Hitler began massing troops on Sudetenland, a western border region of Czechoslovakia.

-Hitler wanted this area for more “living space” and its natural resources

-Hitler tells GB and France that Sudetenland is his “last territorial demand.” They sign the Munich agreement to avoid war.

-Significance of action: Violation of the TOV/Appeasement

Non-Aggression Pact

-Like Czech. Poland had a sizable German speaking population.

-As tension rose in Poland, Stalin surprised everyone by signing a non-aggression pact with Hitler. Fascist Germany and Communist Russia committed never to attack each other.

-Significance of action: Two powerful countries align, Germany can attack other countries without worry about the Soviets

Germany Attacks Poland & the low countries

-1939 Poland, Denmark, Norway conquered in weeks

-1940 France- conquered in less than a month

-”Blitzkrieg”: lightning war

-Significance of action- Beginning of WWII: Britain and France declare war on Germany.

Response: The U.S and the rest of the world did nothing. FDR calls for buildup of U.S military.

Response: U.S increases defense spending, and sends planes to G.B. FDR doesn’t think peace is possible and changes his goal to helping the Allied powers rather than preserving peace. Gives speeches to the American people to alert them about Germany’s actions.

Response: U.S increases aid to G.B and France (gives them destroyers)

Response: U.S continues to build military. FDR sends note to Hitler asking him to stop, and threatens embargo.

19411940

Battle of Britain

U.S Relations with Japan

-Germany launches and air and naval raid on Great Britain (at the same time) because Hitler knew he couldn’t compete with Britain’s Navy

-Britain fights back hard using radar to track down German planes.

-Hitler calls off invasion but continues to bomb British cities, and Britain bombs German cities.

-Significance of action- Britain was successful in holding off the Nazis

-Germany and Italy have conquered most of Europe, including France.

-Germany invades Soviet Union

-U.S is trying to aide G.B but German submarines are sinking ships

-Japan joins Axis powers and is steadily conquering countries (occupying Korea and Manchuria)

-Japan is threatening U.S territory in the Philippines.

-Response: Depression ends due to increase in defense spending.

-Response: Cut off supplies to Japan

-Build up military (increase spending by 500%)

-Patrol Seas

-Speeches made by FDR

When you have completed all of the boxes, color-code them to organize your notes as follows:

• Outline in black action boxes that you would categorize as militarily/politically aggressive.

• Outline in another color reaction boxes that you would categorize as weak or demonstrating appeasement (making political or material concessions to an enemy power in order to avoid conflict)

Color Code

Closure: Discussion

When should the U.S go to war?