Transcript The Events of World War II

The Events of World War II
I. Acts of Aggression
B. Germany annexes Austria
Unopposed because majority of Austrians spoke
German.
C. Munich Conference
“I have secured peace in our time.”
Map
--Neville Chamberlain
D. Germany takes over Czechoslovakia
Hitler violates Munich agreement and conquers ALL of
Czech.
“Gee, go figure!”
MAP
II. The War Begins
A. German / Soviet Non-aggression Pact
Germany – avoids a two front war like in WWI.
Soviet Union - Agrees to split up Poland with
Germany.
B. Germany invades Poland
clip
“Blitzkrieg” warfare- Fast and forceful land air
assault conquers a weaker Poland in a few weeks.
FRANCE and BRITAIN declare war on Germany.
Back in
Europe
BACK
OFFENSIVE
D-Day
FRANCE
DUNKIRK
2
SOVIETS
Aggression
SOUTHERN
C. American neutrality –
During 20’s and 30’s American remained a neutral
nation. No interest in foreign affairs/ Great
Depression.
III. “Germany on the Offensive”
A. Invasion of Denmark and Norway- MAP
Set up air bases to attack Great Britain.
B. Invasion of The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg.
On the way to France.
“I’ll take one Finland too please.”
-Adolf Hitler
IV. The German Empire Expands
A. Invasion of France (Paris Falls)
Blitzkrieg forces France to surrender.
MAP
B. Evacuation of Dunkirk300,000 Allied soldiers escape to Britain to fight
another day.
MAP
C. Battle of Britain
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British Air force “holds” against Germany.
“Never in the field of human conflict, was so much owed
by so many to so few.”
- Winston Churchill
D. Germany invades the Soviet Union.
Hitler breaks his promise.
MAP
E. The Southern Front
“The all fall down.” Hungary, Yugoslavia, Romania,
Bulgaria, Greece, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Egypt.
MAP
VIII. Meanwhile back in Europe, “The Tide
Begins to Turn.”
A. Stalingrad-
Map
Soviets turn back Germany and begin to push
westward.
B. North AfricaU.S. and British soldiers force surrender of
Germany in North Africa.
C. Sicily / Italy –
U.S. troops force surrender of Italy.
IX. “Taking Back Fortress Europe.”
MAP
What would you do?
A
D
Adv: Weaker
Adv:Very
friendly terrain
Defense
Not heavily
defended
Dis: Little
surprise
element
Dis: No
surprise
Easily
supported
B
C
Adv. More Surprise; Close to urban
GB
Adv:Surprise; Friendly terrain
Dis: Hilly terrain; Strong defenses
Dis: Strong forces
What they faced.
X. “Closing in on Berlin”
A. “Operation Dragoon”
The race to Berlin to squeeze the Germans.
B. Battle of the Bulge
Hitler’s last effort to defend Germany.
C. V-E Day
Germany signs surrender papers!!!